Two former colleagues, Adrian Baker and Alan Stilborn, who worked together at Bradwell Nuclear Power Station for 40 years, have recently reunited at Down Hall Residential Care Home in Bradwell after more than 20 years apart. Adrian, 81, and Alan, 98, shared a special bond as foremen at the power station, and their reunion at the care home brought back memories of their time working together.
Upon seeing each other again, Adrian and Alan instantly recognized one another, despite the decades that had passed since their last meeting. The joy of reconnecting with a familiar face after so long brought a sense of happiness to Adrian, knowing that someone from his past was now a part of his present. The shared history and camaraderie they had developed during their time at the power station created a strong bond between the two men, making their reunion all the more meaningful.
Their journey together began in the late 1960s when they both started working at the power station. Adrian initially worked in maintenance for two years before transitioning to operations, where he crossed paths with Alan, affectionately known as Bruvvy. Their work intertwined as they navigated the challenges and successes of their roles, forming a lasting friendship that would endure the test of time.
Now residing at Down Hall Residential Care Home, Adrian and Alan have found comfort in reminiscing about their shared experiences and participating in various activities organized by the facility. One such activity is a gentleman’s club where they engage in friendly card games and savor different whiskies, creating new memories while cherishing the old ones they hold dear.
The care home has also facilitated reunions with other former power station colleagues, further enriching the sense of community and connection among the residents. Activities organizer Louise Simon played a key role in arranging a small gathering for Adrian, Alan, and their former workmates Ian Drinkwater and Bert Foss. The reunion provided an opportunity for the group to relive past moments, share stories, and laugh together, reigniting the camaraderie they had once shared at the power station.
During the gathering, Ian brought along memorabilia from his time at the power station, including a dummy fuel element used in a reactor, old photos, and newspaper clippings. These artifacts sparked fond memories and animated conversations, with Alan and Adrian exchanging tales and laughter with Ian and Bert. The shared nostalgia and sense of belonging that emerged from the reunion highlighted the enduring impact of their time spent working together.
Bradwell Nuclear Power Station, a historic site that generated electricity for the first time in July 1962 and was decommissioned in March 2002, holds a special place in the hearts of those who worked there. The transition of the power station to care and maintenance status in 2018 marked a new chapter in its legacy, preserving its history while offering a new purpose for the facility.
As Alan reflected on the reunion and the memories it evoked, he expressed his delight in revisiting the past and reconnecting with his former colleagues. The shared laughter, stories, and moments captured in old photographs created a sense of nostalgia and warmth that transcended time, bridging the gap between the past and the present. In one such photo, Alan found himself playing the glockenspiel at a work social event, a reminder of the joy and camaraderie that defined their time at the power station.
The reunion of Adrian Baker and Alan Stilborn at Down Hall Residential Care Home serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring bonds forged through shared experiences and the power of reconnecting with familiar faces from the past. As they continue to reminisce, laugh, and create new memories together, their story stands as a testament to the lasting impact of friendship and camaraderie in the journey of life.
