At Woodlands Care Centre, every resident’s story is celebrated, enriching the home with their unique experiences and memories. Thanks to the ‘My Life Story’ initiative, part of RCH Care Homes’ holistic approach, the team ensures every resident is seen and valued as an individual, fostering a deep understanding of their lives, interests, and achievements.
Recently, Lifestyle Lead Sarah uncovered the fascinating working history of resident Owen Jakes, who shared memories from his 40-year career as a Drainage Board Foreman in The Fens.
Life in The Fens: A Job with Purpose
At just 20 years old, Owen began his career at the land drainage pump station in Stretham, Cambridgeshire—now known as ‘The Stretham Old Engine’ and a museum open to the public. Owen’s role involved overseeing a team of 5-6 staff and managing the day-to-day paperwork to ensure smooth operations. His job came with notable perks, including an on-site house, a company vehicle, and work overalls. Owen recalled his weekly pay of £250 and a manageable 30-hour work week, with overtime as needed.
Owen shared how life in The Fens always carried the looming threat of flooding. “I was always a little worried when it looked like it was going to rain!” he said. Reflecting on the scale of the work, Owen added, “Some other pumping stations pumped 1,000 tons of water per minute, but I didn’t have any quite as big as that.”
For decades, Owen’s work helped protect the land from flooding, an essential role in the low-lying fenland landscape. After retiring, his connection to the station remained strong, as he took on the role of museum curator, sharing his knowledge and passion with visitors.
Preserving Memories Through Stories
Sarah remarked on the privilege of hearing Owen’s story: “It’s always fascinating to learn about someone’s life history. Every story is unique, and it’s an honour to share and celebrate these chapters of our residents’ lives.”
Owen’s pride in his career is evident, and he still reminisces about his time as a foreman. He expressed a wish to have his story published to share his experiences with others.
The Stretham Old Engine, a testament to the region’s rich engineering and environmental history, continues to honour the work of people like Owen. To learn more about the station’s history, visit The Stretham Old Engine Museum.
At Woodlands Care Centre, celebrating life stories like Owen’s ensures residents feel valued, connected, and proud of their incredible contributions to the world.
