09/07/2026
✨Churchill collection helps Alan reconnect with treasured memories✨
Alan has spent the past 25 years building an extensive collection of Winston Churchill memorabilia.
The 83-year-old is living with dementia and has been a resident here at Down Hall Residential Care Home in Bradwell-on-Sea since September 2025.
We asked Mary, Alan's wife, to bring in a few of his favourite items so we could create a one-to-one memory box activity designed to encourage reminiscence and 💥spark recognition 💥
Our activities coordinator Louise says: “Alan was happy, calm and smiling throughout the session. His face lit up when he recognised his memorabilia and he kept pointing to the items, saying 'Churchill'. Out of the blue he would say, 'I remember this!'.
"It was wonderful to see him enjoying looking through his Churchill books and recognising that these special items belonged to him. It was a lovely reminder of how meaningful personal memories and treasured possessions can be for people living with dementia.”
At one point, when Louise picked up one of the figurines, Alan instinctively reminded her to “be careful”.
Alan's wife, Mary, adds: “He was on top form because the care team brought something back to life that Alan has always been passionate about. It was so lovely to see him enjoying himself and reconnecting with something that has meant so much to him over the years.”
📍Located in Bradwell-on-Sea, Down Hall is a 36-bed care home situated close to the north eastern corner of the Dengie peninsula in the district of Maldon.
💚 Our team provide residential, dementia, and end-of-life care.