Sweet shop boss Nathaniel Woodward is to introduce himself to Wisbech by sending out bags of old-fashioned favourites to care home residents.
His gift packs will include aniseed balls, lemon sherbet, and army and navy boiled sweets to stir thoughts of a bygone era.
“We hope to evoke memories that can be shared among family and other care home residents in a feeling of unity,” said Wisbech town council officer, Tina Gambell
And for those who might need what Tina calls “some assistance” with the bags of confectionery, Mr Woodward will include soft sweets like jelly tots.
Mr Woodward is moving to a new shop in the market place and in conjunction with the council is working on his ‘sweet memories for care home residents’ projects.
All residents will get a small sample of sweets and care home staff and managers will also be included to share the experience.
The town council will use visits by the mayor and deputy mayor dropping them off to care homes, to help with a nostalgic memories video.
“Each care home manager has confirmed they will collect memories with words, video, photos and send them to the town council for collation in a brief video,” says Tina.
“There are around 380 residents and 430 staff and so Nathaniel has been incredibly busy making up individual paper bags of five or six sweeties plus share boxes for carers.”
Mr Woodward said: “We are excited to be expanding into Wisbech with a growing customer base already in Wisbech on deliveries, we believe it will be one of the most securing moves in our business.”
He said: “Over the past 12 months, one of the most rewarding things from running our sweet shop has been hearing the many love stories related to sweets. “Everyone seems to have a sweet surrounding sweets even if it’s about their grandparents and we love hearing them.”
He added: “So to be given the chance to be part of relighting those memories was an opportunity we couldn’t miss”
Mr Woodward has been running a traditional sweet shop until now in Long Sutton with a vast range of pick n mix sweets starting at 1p. From lockdown he will be looking to continue with home deliveries until restrictions are lifted.
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