Retired police officers take a trip down memory lane at police car event

Former police officers Colin Crisp and Colin Richards, both residents at Heathfiled Court, spent the day reminiscing and catching up with former colleagues as they viewed historic police cars and motorcycles at Marlowe House in Sidcup. The pair were thrilled to be able to get up close to the Metropolitan Police Historic Vehicle Collection: “It …

Former police officers Colin Crisp and Colin Richards, both residents at Heathfiled Court, spent the day reminiscing and catching up with former colleagues as they viewed historic police cars and motorcycles at Marlowe House in Sidcup.

The pair were thrilled to be able to get up close to the Metropolitan Police Historic Vehicle Collection: “It was a wonderful day, and I really enjoyed chatting about old times, even bumping into a few familiar faces!” said Colin Crisp, 85, a former police inspector who retired from the force in 1986.

Colin mostly worked in the south east of London and his favourite part of the job was “keeping the public safe”. He spent the trip sharing stories and memories with other former police officers.

“I remember the comradeship of the force fondly,” continued Colin, who moved into Heathfield Court in March.

The care home’s lifestyle team organised for Colin and Colin to attend the show to help trigger fond memories of their time in the force.

Colin Richards, aged 88, made Heathfield Court his home in December 2023. He joined the police cadets in 1956 following a few years in the Army.

During his career he worked in Belvedere, Tottenham Court Road, Eltham, and Greenwich, and served eight years in the central London traffic squad.

Colin’s last placement was at Marlowe House. He said: “It was wonderful to be back at Marlowe House and to be able to catch up with some old colleagues from the past.

“It was quite something getting to see the Rover 3500 as it was something I drove for patrolling and first response. That model was used for Margaret Thatcher when she was Prime Minister, it had air supply in the car’s boot in case of a gas attack.

“I also drove an S Type Jaguar – which only advanced drivers were allowed to drive.”

Among those colleagues was Don Ratcliffe, who they both know well, who is the secretary for the London branch of the National Association of Retired Police Officers.

The lifestyle lead at Heathfield Court, Morgan Sains, said: “There was lots of laughter coming from both gentleman on the day, we all enjoyed watching them light up reliving old stories and memories from their careers.”

Home manager Nicola Martin added: “It was marvellous to see both Colins in their element reminiscing with other former police officers.

“The visit was a real trip down memory lane for both gentlemen, and we love that getting to share their stories has sparked such joy for them. Reminiscence is so valuable for our residents, but it is also our aim to help them to create wonderful new memories.”

Located on Colyers Lane in Erith, Heathfield Court is a 66-bed care home providing residential, nursing and specialist dementia care. We are proudly rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and in 2023 was one of the winners of the ‘Top 20 Care Homes London’ award with Carehome.co.uk.