Words: Joanne Hartley, Bramley Elderly Action
This week Bramley Elderly Action members took a trip on an open top vintage 1950’s bus from yesteryear around Bramley, Swinnow and Pudsey as part of our ‘come back better’ campaign.
The idea for an open top bus was sparked by member Kenneth Edison, who said that he’d not been out of his flat since March 2020. This prompted us to consider how to get people out safely after a long period of isolation and staying put.
The team thought an open top bus was the safest way to convene due to the open air, ventilated space.
Thanks to Public Health, who funded our response to the pandemic, it was possible for 60 people to enjoy the tour on three separate trips around the area.
This meant that members were able to get out, familiarise themselves with public transport again, reunite with old friends and to meet new ones.
Member Bella said:
“This is the first time I’ve seen my friend since the outdoors summer bingo which was such a long time ago.”
And Barbara added:
“I’ve met the people face to face who I’ve been seeing over Zoom during lockdown, for the first ever time.”