AN 83-year-old Cotswolds care home resident enjoyed a speedy trip down memory lane with a track day at Castle Combe.

Bob Mitchell, who is a resident at Edwardstow Court Care Centre, Stow-on-the-Wold, has always had a strong interest in cars and racing and was taken for the special day out by staff.

Mr Mitchell was a member of the 750 Motor Club in the 1950s with his Austin Seven Special and a contemporary of Denis Jenkinson and many others that went on to become big names in racing. He was also a founding member and former president of the Monoposto Racing Club.

A chance meeting between Olivia Wike, customer relations manager at Edwardstow Court, and Ed and Natasha Moore from Motor Sport Events, led to an invitation for Mr Mitchell to come along to one of their event days.

He was a passenger in a car and had the pleasure of going around a circuit again, just like he had in the good old days.

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Mr Mitchell said: “So many memories came flooding back of the many times me and my wife attended these track days and the fun we had, my wife always made a wonderful picnic for us too.”

Mrs Wike added: “Bob loved the whole experience, it truly amazes me how the power of conversation enabled us to bring back such precious memories for one of our residents.

"I can’t thank Ed and Natasha enough for their hospitality and allowing Bob to join them on one of their track days.”

He was not the only care resident to enjoy a welcome change of scenery.

Residents at Moreton Hill in Standish, near Stonehouse, have been enjoying boat trips run by Cotswold Boatmobility, a community group is run by volunteers to make boating accessible for all.

The trips from Ryeford to Stonehouse gave residents the opportunity to be close to the water in an area many of them know well.

General manager Daney Thomas said: “The activities team are always looking for new ideas along with the opportunity for residents to engage with the local community.

"It is a pleasure to see our residents going out and about again and able to enjoy all the area has to offer. I know they are looking forward to going out on the boats again in the future."