Emotional return for former employee of Abingdon MG factory

Valerie Mackie, who lives at Bridge House Care Home, started working in the offices at the Abingdon MG factory in the 1950s where her mother, Elsie Cummings, already worked as one of only two female mechanics.

The 89-year-old’s trip to the MG Car Club facility at Kimber House was made extra special after a member of the team found an old album containing pictures of her mother at work.

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“Val was sharing so many wonderful memories from her time at the factory with the team at the club,” said lifestyle manager Chantelle Merritt, who organised the trip.

“When one of the team, Colin Grant, brought out an old photo album from his dad’s time working at the factory, Val found pictures of her mum inside.

“It was an extra special and emotional moment for everyone to see how much it meant to Val.”

Valerie was shown pictures of her mother who was worked as one of only two female mechanics at the car factory (Image: Bridge House)

Val recounted how her mum knew every nut, bolt and screw of the legendary British cars and said there wasn’t one that she did not know how to fix.  She also recalled how the pair used to cycle to work.

 She said: “Me and Mum would cycle to the factory from our home in Wooton together every day and we always had lots of fun on the way.

“Today was a beautiful trip down memory lane and I'm so proud to have worked somewhere that produced these beautiful cars.”

The trip was organised as part of the ‘Wish Wednesday’ initiative at the care home in Abingdon where the team make residents’ wishes come true.

The luxury 71-bed care home has a dedicated lifestyle team and access to a mini bus for days out and trips to nearby places of interest

Valerie, posed with a picture of her mother, described the trip as a 'beautiful trip down memory lane' (Image: Bridge House)

Care home manager Marta Leszko said: “Val is an amazing woman and often reminisces about her time at the factory, so we were delighted to be able to make her wish come true.”

“To hear how emotional it was for her to see those old photos of her mum working at the factory was really lovely.”

“Our team do a fantastic job of arranging special trips and creating wonderful new memories for our residents and to see how much it means to them is very touching.

“It’s so important for our residents to be able to continue to do the things they love as they enjoy this new chapter in their lives.”