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Fish knives, knitted socks – and the sound of children playing

23 Oct, 2025

Today, Shelly and I visited Harleston House Care Home in Lowestoft, to share some of the Extra Time football stories and see where they led us.

And what a wonderful journey they took us on, starting with a quick trip to Liverpool, then on to a tale about precious Manchester United memorabilia before arriving at some of the local sounds we like to hear drifting in through the window.

All of which conjured up residents’ own stories about a brother’s mysterious tattoo, hidden under a wristwatch, a carriage clock in the front room – used for ‘high days and holidays’ – a precious picture made of smooth, polished sea glass and a set of fish knives and forks, a wedding gift from long ago and already picked out for (and by) a future generation.

Thank you for making us feel so welcome and for all the valuable feedback you provided; it was a joy to share some time with you all.

A group of adults gathered round two circular tables, each covered with lining paper. A woman in the foreground leans over the table, writing something whilst another lady in a mustard coloured top draws an image as other adults look on

Inspired by Bob Gray's story about black socks, the group discuss knitting - and the colourful blankets they make for children

Two women sit side by side by a table on which they have been drawing images - a few pens lie scattered on the table top

Relating the story of the carriage clock on the mantlepiece

In the foreground is a circular table, covered with lining paper. Numerous coloured felt tip pens lie scatted on the table and there are pictures and lines of text written in different styles. A couple sits on the righthand side, the gentleman leaning in slightly and holding hands with the woman on his left. Another woman dressed in a light coloured cardigan and top stares straight at the camera, her hands crossed in her lap. Behind and to her right sits a woman in a dark top and trousers. The wall behind them has a motif of blue boats and beach huts

Mystery tattoos and sea glass pictures

Frank's mum knitted socks from scrap wool for welly boots

Frank's mum knitted welly boot socks

A man sits looking at a publication. On either side are women, seated at a circular table. One is drawing whilst another watches intently; the woman on his right might also be drawing. On the wall is a picture of three glasses and daffodils, and against another wall there's a narrow white door with a dark handle; a woman in a dark top sits by the wall, slightly removed from the table

Gareth reading one of the Extra Time stories

A woman seated in a dark wheel chair and wearing a mustard coloured top looks intently as she draws a turquoise picture on the paper in front of her. A woman in a blue T-shirt and wearing glasses is seated beside her. Numerous coloured felt tip pens lie on the table in front of them

It's been a lovely afternoon, thank you for coming

The sound of people around-knowing you're not alone. Listening to children at playtime. Children telling their stories. It's been lovely. Money was tight. Stood on the prom listening to the seas. The clock was in the fron troom, we used it for high days and holidays. Handwritten notes and drawings of socks and bells.

Favourite sounds and knitted socks

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‘Today’s session took us on a journey – it was a really nice way to connect with the residents.’

‘It’s been a really enjoyable afternoon, I’ve had a lovely time.’

‘That was very good, yes, a lovely afternoon.’

‘I’ve found out things this afternoon that I didn’t know, things that it’s good for me to know about, as I can work with those stories and keep the memories alive with the residents.’

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