Essex Power Station Mates Reunite in Care Home After Forty Years

Two old work friends had a surprise reunion. They both lived at Down Hall in Essex. Adrian Baker, 81, moved there last July and was surprised to see Alan Stilborn, 98.

They knew each other from decades ago, both men having worked at a power station. Alan was a foreman with Adrian, and the old friends remembered each other right away.

Adrian said it made him happy to know someone at the care home. They had worked at Bradwell Nuclear Power Station together, and it was great to see Alan again.

They started working there in 1961. Adrian worked in maintenance for two years, then he moved to operations with Alan. People called Alan “Bruvvy” back then.

The men like talking about old times and enjoy the care home’s activities. There is a “gentleman’s club” for them where they play cards and drink whiskey.

The power station started in July 1962 and stopped making electricity in 2002. It was the first to be “cared for” in 2018, and it was a big part of UK history.

Former workmates visited Adrian and Alan, as Louise Simon arranged a reunion. Ian Drinkwater and Bert Foss joined them for what was a heartwarming get-together.

Ian brought old things from the power station, including a dummy fuel element that was used in a reactor. Old photos sparked memories for everyone there.

Alan said it was great to chat and he liked seeing old pictures. One showed him playing a glockenspiel at a work event.

Adrian lived in Bradwell-on-Sea his whole life. He lived 57 years with his wife, Norma, and they had two sons and a daughter, as well as three grandchildren.

Alan came from Yorkshire, and he met Gladys in Maldon. They married in 1952 and lived in Southminster for 71 years, raising their daughter, Beverly, there.

Karen Johnson manages Down Hall and said memories are important. The reunion let the men talk and share photos, recalling their history together.

She noted Alan and Adrian became friends and reconnected at the home. Bert joined them for Burns Night. The men enjoyed spending time together.

Down Hall wants residents to enjoy life and make new memories. The care home has 36 beds and is known for its good care.