Elderly And School Pupils Enjoy “Weird And Wonderful” Teesside Care Home Museum

A “WEIRD and Wonderful” pop-up museum attracted an intergenerational gathering of visitors at a Teesside care home.

Cut outs of the world’s smallest man, largest hand, and largest foot, as well as measurements for the world’s tallest man were among the exhibits at The Gables Care Home, Highfield Road, Middlesbrough.

There was also a vortex and magic eye illusions, the world’s smallest jigsaw, the world’s longest word, bubbles that don’t pop, and a 3D illusion maker.

The care home’s elderly residents were joined by Year 3 pupils from St Joseph’s R C Primary School, on Marton Road, as they marvelled at the interactive museum.

Titled “Weird and Wonderful”, the exhibition was organised by Sharon Lewis, activities coordinator at Hazelgrove Court Care Home, in Saltburn, which is part of the Hill Care Group, alongside The Gables.

During the school pupils’ visit, Sharon performed an experiment with Mentos sweets and Coca Cola, which caused a fountain of fizzy drink to explode from the bottle.

Visitors were also invited to attempt a Hula Hoop world record, which 81-year-old Delia Woodward-Bennett enjoyed. She said: “I love all the different exhibits and activities. The Hula hoop is my favourite. I really enjoyed seeing the children get all excited over science.”

Michael Lavrin, 84, was amazed by the world’s largest hand. He said: “If I had hands that size I could play in goal.”

Eight-year-old pupil Isla said: “It was all good but the hula hoop was my favourite.” Seven-year-old Frankie added: “I like the illusion maker best.”

Samantha McCormick, activities coordinator at The Gables Care Home, said: “We can’t thank Sharon enough for this exhibition. Residents and staff absolutely loved it.

“The interaction between Delia and the children was a pleasure to witness.

“The whole experience was totally different to anything we’ve done before. We are planning on sharing it with family members as well.”