image source, Care UK/Andrew H Williams
The staff made the room for Mary Savage as elaborate as possible
Staff at a care home have painstakingly recreated a 1950s ship cabin for one of their residents.
A cabin at Invicta Court, Maidstone, Kent, where 95-year-old Mary Savage spent five weeks sailing from Southampton to Hong Kong in 1952 to marry her husband Colin.
Their marriage was postponed when he was sent to Kowloon by the Royal Navy.
This room was done by house maintenance manager Brian Thornton.
He researched the design of the ship, the HMD Empire Trooper, and used old photos and recycled materials.
Four generations of Mary’s family were invited to the official opening.
image source, Care UK/Andrew H Williams
Maintenance Manager Brian Thornton recreated the 1952 ship’s cabin from drawings and photographs
She said: “When I saw the cabin I was at a loss for words.
„It looked so real, it was like going back in time. I couldn’t believe it.
„I am so grateful to Brian and to be able to share my memory with my family.”
Brian Thornton said: “I am delighted to have recreated the ship’s cabin for Mary and to help her relive all the wonderful memories of her trip to Kowloon.
„It was heartwarming to see her face light up as she walked through the entertainment.”
image source, Care UK/Andrew H Williams
Mary spent six weeks in the original cabin in 1952
Invicta Court House Manager Sarah Barbosa said: “Mary’s trips to Kowloon are a true love story for the ages and brought tears of joy and happiness to all who heard her recount.
„I’m thrilled to be able to take Mary back to her youth and share her journey with her family and friends in such a wonderful visual way.”