Ashington care home residents enjoy nostalgic train trip down memory lane on reopened Newcastle line

Residents at HC-One’s Ashington Grange Care Home in Ashington recently enjoyed a heart-warming and memorable day out on a train journey from Ashington to Newcastle – a route that has only recently reopened after a 60-year hiatus.

For residents Linda Tarron, Bill Oliphant, Mary Robertson, and Alan Hermiston as well as the care home’s Wellbeing Coordinator Erica Stott, it was a chance to take a trip down memory lane and reflect on how much train travel has changed over the decades.

The experience was especially nostalgic, evoking vivid memories of the old railways and the important role they once played in daily life. Helen Maitland, a dedicated volunteer at the home, also joined in to help make the day extra special.

The journey was smooth and scenic, and spirits were high as residents reminisced about past train rides and marvelled at the differences in today’s rail travel.

Resident Linda Tarron said: “The old trains are not like what they are today – it was very nostalgic and brought back so many memories.”

Andrea Pringle, Home Manager at HC-One’s Ashington Grange Care Home said: “It was lovely to see our residents so engaged and happy. They were not just travelling from Ashington to Newcastle – they were travelling through time, sharing stories, laughter, and making great new memories along the way.

“This special outing highlights Ashington Grange’s commitment to providing enriching experiences that honour the past while creating joyful moments in the present.’’