A CARE home resident was taken for a unique trip down memory lane thanks to the creativity of members of staff.
Jean Parsons, a former flight attendant, was treated to a mock airplane in Shinfield View’s lounge ‘flown’ by British Airways pilot Kathy McDonald.
To make the experience as authentic as possible, Kathy wore her professional uniform, while Jean dressed as a member of the cabin crew – a role she had held for 30 years.
Laura McSoley, events manager of Shinfield View, said: “It was very uplifting to see how much Jean enjoyed using the refreshments trolley to serve drinks to her friends and how nostalgic it made her to show them how the safety equipment worked. It was clear to everyone that she was a natural.
“All the staff at Shinfield View are thrilled to have been able to provide Jean with a unique and memorable experience, and we are grateful to Kathy for sharing her expertise and making this activity possible.”
The mock plane featured a life-size printed image of a cockpit and horizon. Its cabin included six passenger seats arranged two by two, complete with an aisle and large printed windows residents ‘could look out of’.
After completing all her inflight checks and communicating with the control tower, Kathy took the passengers on a slightly sped-up flight from Berkshire to Australia.
Staff at the care home had also prepared a drinks trolley complete with refreshments. Once at the cruising altitude, and after the seat belt signs were off, Jean served drinks and light refreshments to her enthralled passengers.
Jean told carers that her greatest source of joy in the job had been seeing the excitement on the faces of children who had never been on a plane before. Other highlights included meeting members of the Royal family, including the late Queen Mother.
After learning about the care home’s event, Jean’s cousin said: “These are wonderful photos and help to bring back some happy memories for Jean.”
The opportunity was something the home was inspired to offer the former British Airways employee after hearing about 30-year career in the skies, which saw her work on Boeing 747s and Concordes to destinations as far as Australia and New Zealand.
