Bury St Edmunds 'armchair tour' proves an unexpected hit during lockdown
A video made by town tour guides is proving popular during lockdown.
Bury St Edmunds Tour Guides made the video last summer for Suffolk Day in June - and also a taster for people who might want a tour in future months.
However, as the year progressed, it became clear gatherings were not likely to happen and currently the town tours are not in operation.
Marham House Care Home recently asked the guides if they had any film footage of the town they could show residents to help cheer them up.
Since then, the video - called Suffolk Day Armchair Tour has been show in 11 care homes and won some great feedback.
"People have loved watching the video," said tour guide John Saunders.
"In one case a resident said he had forgotten what Bury was like now and he was able to reminisce about his time at the brewery and drinking at the Nutshell.
"Many amusing anecdotes emerged."
The video is narrated by six guides, who also did the filming, and is seven minutes long.
It features prominent landmarks from The Cathedral, to the Guildhall, Corn Exhange, Abbey Rose Gardens and Moyse's Hall.
Jackie Mogg, lifestyle manager at Marham House Care Home on Simcoe Road, said: “Our cinema was full when we showed it and there was genuine interest and excellent feedback.
Residents who had not been able to see Bury for a long time were able to recognise places they remembered and it stimulated those who have memory issues.
"We will certainly look forward to welcoming the Guides here when we can.”
Mr Saunders added: "The video is also there for anyone who misses being out and about.
"It's free of charge and ideal for those who are currently isolated or who might want to reminisce.
It is great how something we produced for one purpose has turned out to be so valuable to those who are currently prevented from venturing outdoors.
For more information about the Bury St Edmunds Tour Guides and to keep any eye for what's coming when restrictions allow, visit: www.burystedmundstourguides.org
Read more: All the latest news from Suffolk
Read more: All the latest news from Bury St Edmunds
