A once-unused room at Edenbridge Manor Care Home has been transformed into a miniature railway wonderland, thanks to the creativity and dedication of 92-year-old resident David Bush.
Originally from Evenley, a small village in Northamptonshire, David has spent the past two years meticulously designing and building an intricate model railway layout.
His creation features hand-built scenery, a Pullman Express circling the tracks, and even a growing miniature town, one that fellow residents are invited to help shape.
What began as a quiet personal project has since become one of the most popular and lively spaces in the Avery Healthcare-owned care home in Edenbridge.
David lives at Edenbridge Manor Care Home with Olive, his wife, in one of the home’s companion suites, which is a unique offering available in many Avery Healthcare care homes, designed to help couples continue to live together in later life. The pair moved to Edenbridge Manor Care Home together in 2023.
Before retiring, David worked as an accountant and company secretary. He turned to modelling and crafting after retirement, driven by a desire to create something lasting.
“A bricklayer can walk down the street and see the walls they’ve built,” David said. “An accountant doesn’t get to do that. I wanted to leave something behind.”
“It’s more than just trains, it’s a place where people connect,” he added. “I love seeing others enjoying it. It brings back memories for many, and it’s wonderful to share something that brings people together.”
Due to its popularity, the railway room is now a regular highlight on tours for prospective residents and their families at Edenbridge Manor Care Home.
“It really captures people’s imaginations,” said Home Manager Esther Adams. “We often hear visitors reminiscing about their childhood train sets. It’s lovely to see the joy it sparks.”
David’s passion for craftsmanship doesn’t stop with trains. The room also showcases several of his hand-built models, including a scale model of the Titanic, a musical 3D Ferris wheel puzzle, and a collection of radio-controlled trucks, all made with remarkable attention to detail.
“We’ve even received generous donations from visitors inspired by the railway room,” said David. “It’s lovely to know people enjoy it so much they want to contribute.”
The space also pays tribute to the late Malcolm Hill, a fellow resident and co-founder of the project, who passed away in November 2024. A custom plaque stands proudly in the room in his memory.
“As far as the layout goes, we’re always evolving it,” David explained. “The Pullman Express has made countless circuits, and now we’re planning a small-town setup around the track.”
“David’s railway room has really added something special to the home,” said Esther. “It’s a place where residents come together, share stories, get creative, and make lasting connections. It’s such a big part of our community now.”
Resident Colin Bentley summed it up simply by saying, “It’s fantastic! A great reminder of our childhoods.”
David, now well into his 90s, continues to work on new models and welcomes visitors for chats, games of dominoes, cribbage, or cards by the tracks.
Edenbridge Manor Care Home, part of Avery Healthcare, proudly supports resident-led projects like David’s, recognising the power of creativity, community, and shared passions in enriching care home life.
To learn more about Edenbridge Manor Care Home or to see the train room, book a tour by visiting www.averyhealthcare.co.uk or call 01732 927469.
