The Museum of Technology: The History of Gadgets and Gizmos in Throckenholt is open for the 2025 summer season

Care homes and dementia groups are being urged to make use of the reminiscence sessions available at a South Holland museum now that it is open for its summer season.

The Museum of Technology: The History of Gadgets and Gizmos, in Throckenholt, re-opens to the public today (Thursday, May 29) and owners Trevor Cass and Rosemary Hourihane are encouraging care homes and dementia groups to make the most of the facilities it has to offer.

The museum, which opened in 2016, is home to a massive collection of artefacts, including early cameras, weaponry from WWI and WWII, telephones, computers and televisions – many of which still work and can be demonstrated.

It also has a large community room and Rosie is keen to see more care homes and elderly groups visit to explore and enjoy the items in its reminiscence boxes.

“This is just such a lovely thing to be able to do – groups can come in and use the boxes, which contain items women will remember like Liberty bodices, silk stockings and suspender belts while in our male boxes there are things like old cigarette packets and red driving licences as well as other documents and pictures,” says Rosie, who has completed a course with an Alzheimer’s charity.

“These are all things that can stimulate and bring back memories – they also bring a lot of laughter. It all makes such a difference to people with early dementia or if they’re further advanced. To be able to help in this way brings me great joy.”

The museum, which is also home to a small tank which runs on wheels instead of tracks, an American Willys Jeep made in the 1960s and a 1980s Land Rover used in Northern Ireland, made its television debut earlier this year when it featured in an episode of BBC1’s Bargain Hunt.

Other facilities on site include a large car park, disabled access throughout, tea-room, and outdoor picnic area.

* The Museum of Technology: The History of Gadgets and Gizmos, Old South Eau Bank, Throckenholt, re-opens on Thursday, May 29 and is open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from 10am to 4pm until September 6. Admission is cash only and adults £5, children £2.50, under 5’s go free.

Visit museumoftechnology.org.uk for more information.