Norfolk Care company Steps back in time

The 1940s came to the 21st Century at a community event organised by a Norfolk home care company.

Memorabilia from 80 years ago proved a popular talking point at Holt Community centre when Extra Hands invited the over-65s to enjoy tea and cake while talking about old times.

Items including carbolic soap, an Air Raid Warden’s hat and dried egg powder were borrowed from Poppylands 1940s Tea Rooms at Horsey and they brought back many memories.

“It was a lovely way to spend an afternoon and there were so many stories from our visitors who had many memories of that time. We are really grateful to Poppylands for the loan of the items,” said public relations and marketing director Anita Walter.

“Sharing experiences and talking about ‘old times’ is important for the older generation and as a care provider, we are always looking at ways of ensuring our service users have the chance to take part in events that enable them to reminisce,” she added.

The familiar tangy smell of the carbolic soap proved to be a popular trigger for memories along with the ration books. Other items loaned for the event included a model Anderson shelter, black-out curtain and underwear made from parachute silk.

The special afternoon is the latest in a string of community events organised by the company, which also has offices in Heacham that were rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission earlier this year.

Extra Hands is an award-winning family-owned company which covers Norfolk working both privately and with the local authority. It was the first in the county to offer well-being checks to help reassure families and friends who can’t always be available to help.

With more than 25 years in business, it has grown an enviable reputation for care and support and offers a flexible service which can be tailored to individuals.

Extra Hands has held the Investor in People award for many years and has also received regional and national honours for its services.