Youngsters turn back the clock as they join residents for tea

Oct 23 2008 by Debbie Spalding, West Lothian Courier

CHILDREN from Bathgate’s St Mary’s, Balbardie and Windyknowe Primary schools celebrated UK Old People’s Day along with residents from Meadowvale Nursing Home.

The youngsters had tea, juice and cakes made by the residents and listened to what life was like for them when they were children.

The pupils were amazed by the jobs the residents had when they were younger, which included a merchant seaman, the Air Force, Army, engineer and train driver.

The children also learned about residents’ infirmaties and disabilities so they could understand why they were in the home.

Meadowvale’s activities co-ordinator, Marion, explained the reason behind the move.

She said: “We wanted local children to appreciate that old people were once young people like themselves and had active lives up until they came into the home.

“The children were surprised by how happy and funny the residents were and they were ambassadors for their school and really enjoyed their day out.”

The pupils are pictured above with Catherine Bennie, who is 99 and the home’s oldest resident.