Childhood memories of playing in the ruins of Hylton Castle came flooding back for some pensioners when they were treated to a Grand Day Out at the renovated venue, which included afternoon tea with the mayor.
Christine Frost and Jean Brigham were among a group who visited the castle courtesy of Stagecoach as part of its collaboration with Age UK Sunderland to encourage more pensioners to use their bus passes to get out and about.
It was the first time they had seen Hylton Castle since its award-winning £4.5 million refurbishment, and they were amazed to see how it had been restored to its medieval glory.
“I remember coming down here when I was a kid and climbing all over the ruins. I remember there were lots of nettles everywhere. It is amazing to see what it looks like now,” said Jean, 76.
“My auntie used to live near here, and I used to run down Bunny Hill to come down here. As a kid, it was a magic place to play, but to see it as it is today, this is fabulous,” said Christine, 69, adding: “The bus was wonderful too – brand new and electric – and we were the first ones on it.”
And during the day out, Stagecoach’s driver for the day, Michael Emmet, got more than he bargained for when the pensioners decided to dress him up in medieval armour.
Allison Burns, 76, said it had been a “wonderful day”, adding: “It has been really interesting. I have never been to Hylton Castle before, and the whole day has been lovely. It has been so nice to get out and enjoy company like this.”
Stagecoach’s Grand Day Out initiative is part of its collaboration with Age UK Sunderland. It aims to help combat social isolation by encouraging older people to make the most of the opportunities of free bus travel.
Tracy Collins, Chief Executive of Age UK Sunderland, said: “The Grand Day Out has been an excellent experience for our older people today. Hylton Castle is a fantastic landmark in Sunderland, and everyone has had a lovely time and been treated like royalty.
“Sadly, older people can sometimes be forgotten in our society, which is a shame because loneliness and isolation can lead to people living shorter lives and being more susceptible to health conditions.
“The older people who attended today have had fun, enjoyed themselves, and made new friends. We can’t thank Stagecoach enough for the partnership they have forged with us.”
The idea was also praised by Sunderland mayor Allison Chisnall, who joined the group for their afternoon tea.
“It is great to see partnerships working together in this way and bringing older people together to visit local heritage sites such as the wonderful Hylton Castle, where they can reminisce over local history, talk with others, and make new friends,” she said.
Steve Walker, managing director at Stagecoach North East, was delighted to have joined the Grand Day Out. “Today has been a great day. The sun has been shining and hopefully we’ve made a meaningful addition to the lives of older people.”
For younger travellers who don’t qualify for a free bus pass, single fares are capped at £3 no matter how far you travel.
Click or tap an image to view it larger and read more about where it is.