Reminiscing on Bristol’s History…

Aerospace Bristol’s Outreach Officer, Claire Marston, has been busy bringing sensory themed Reminiscence Boxes out into the local community and city of Bristol. The boxes are full of items that spark memories and conversations for those who grew up or worked in the area, especially benefitting those living with Dementia and memory loss. Claire has developed three sensory boxes, each on a different Bristol aviation theme.

One box is all about Concorde, containing videos and photographs of the iconic aircraft as well as items of crockery and menus that were used on board.

Another evokes working life in Bristol’s aviation industry with factory worker clothing and traditional work equipment such as a slide rule and comptometer.

The third box is full of the sights, sounds and smells of holidays. Sand, shells and smell boxes trigger memories of journeys taken overseas.

The boxes have made appearances at places such as Patchway Memory Cafe, Yate Library, Withywood Community Centre and Hartcliffe. Their next stop is Patchway Ladies Group.

“Reminiscence boxes are an amazing tool for people who suffer with memory loss to feel a familiar, comforting connection, whether that’s with objects, sounds or particular smells. Our boxes have already sparked some lovely memories and conversations about Bristol’s aviation history. I’m really looking forward to bringing the boxes to even more people this year and uncovering new fascinating stories.” Claire, Outreach and Community Engagement Officer

“The activity inspired me to add more photos and videos to my own collection about Concorde.” Tony, who took part in the activity as a member of Friends Ageing Better.

This project has been made possible by an award from People’s Postcode Trust, a grantgiving charity funded entirely by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Support was also given by Bristol Ageing Better, a National Lottery Community Fund, providing guidance support and activities for elderly people across Bristol.