This year, Athena Care Homes, the parent company of Alex Wood House, is celebrating its 10th anniversary in style – to mark the occasion, we launched the “Making Moments” initiative, a special campaign designed to bring joy and fulfil dreams for residents across Athena’s family of care homes in East Anglia.
This inspiring programme ensures that residents get to enjoy unique experiences tailored to their passions and interests—and what better way to mark the celebrations than with a memorable trip to the enchanting Bressingham Steam Museum and Gardens.
At Alex Wood House in Cambridge residents Rudolph and Zia jumped at the chance the to visit the Norfolk tourist attraction. Known for its incredible collection of steam trains, historic vehicles, and beautiful gardens, Bressingham is a treasure trove for anyone fascinated by the past.
Rudolph, who has been a resident at Alex Wood House for the past three years, is a self-professed lover of numbers and science. He was captivated by the inner workings of the steam engines.
Lifestyle Coordinator Nikki Renton shared that it was heartwarming to see Rudolph come alive with excitement during the trip. He had a delightful moment with the train driver, engaging in lively conversations about the mechanics of steam power.
At one point, Rudolph even grabbed the driver’s hands to take in the earthy scent of the coal, immersing himself fully in the experience, said Nikki. As a memento, Rudolph picked out a 2025 steam train calendar, which already enjoys pride of place in his room—a reminder of a magical day he won’t soon forget.
Zia, another resident who joined the trip, is a big fan of vintage cars, and the museum’s collection of classic vehicles was a highlight of his day. Zia, who has been living at Alex Wood house since last year, was thrilled to see so many beautifully preserved cars, each one a piece of history that sparked his curiosity and brought back wonderful memories.
The Bressingham experience wasn’t just about the steam trains and classic cars; the museum’s garden centre, adorned with festive Christmas items, added a touch of seasonal charm.
Residents enjoyed browsing through the holiday decorations and picking out some Christmas goodies. And, of course, no trip is complete without a tasty meal—everyone indulged in a delicious lunch, making the day satisfying for all.
Nikki said that it was a fabulous day out, filled with laughter, discovery, and plenty of happy moments. “It’s just so wonderful to see the joy on the residents’ faces,” she said. “Each trip gives them new experiences and the chance to connect with the things they love.”
At Alex Wood House, outings like the Bressingham trip are part of a regular schedule of activities designed to engage residents. From seaside outings to places like Felixstowe to an upcoming visit to Ely Cathedral, the team makes it a priority to offer something for everyone. These excursions are all about making moments, supporting social connections, and keeping the spirit of adventure alive for each resident.
The Bressingham Steam Museum trip is just one example of how the “Making Moments” initiative is brightening lives and bringing smiles to faces. It’s clear that the team at Alex Wood House truly care about making each day as vibrant as possible for their residents, and this special anniversary year is the perfect time to celebrate all the wonderful ways they do just that.
With more trips planned in the months ahead, Alex Wood House residents have plenty of exciting adventures to look forward to.
