Stories of luxury and tragedy from one of the world’s most famous ships were brought to life at Braeside House yesterday when a touring Titanic exhibition arrived at the home.

Sean Szmalc, Director of Titanic Honour and Glory, brought the exhibition alive by telling the stories of real people whose lives were changed forever by the majestic ship.  Stories included that of Sidney-Francis Sedunary, a third class steward who was expecting his first child when he perished aboard the Titanic, and Kate Florence Philips, who had been planning to flee the UK for California with her married sweetheart, Samuel Morley.

Residents were also able to hold rare genuine artefacts from the Titanic, including a piece of bannister, a lifejacket, and a lifeboat sign – one of just three in existence.  They also donned the uniforms of ship crew and clothes and accessories of the kind worn by upper-class passengers.

Resident, Mary, commented: “The Titanic was only a name to me before. This experience has really made it set sail.”

Florence (pictured) added: “I’ve very much enjoyed learning all about the Titanic. It was very enjoyable to try on the clothing and the lifejacket – it was surprisingly comfortable. Actually feeling parts of the physical history has brought it to life for me.”

Titanic Honour and Glory specialises in visiting, schools, after school clubs, holiday clubs, care and nursing homes, providing a unique reminiscence and outreach programme, bringing fun-filled active learning experiences with therapeutic values.

The company also provide World War One and Two reminiscence programmes and have previously visited Kidscene After School and Holiday Club and Scottish War Blinded’s Linburn Centre.

Sean said: “It has been a real privilege and an honour to meet everyone at Braeside House today. The reminiscence programmes are ideal for people in care homes, and a key part of it is using real artefacts so there is a sensory element for the vision impaired residents.”

Braeside House Activities Team Leader, Barrie Simcock, said: “It was fantastic to have Sean here at Braeside House. The stories he told of the real people who were involved with the Titanic, and the artefacts that we were all able to hold in our hands, really brought history to life for us today.”

Braeside House has 10 activities staff who tailor activities according to residents' interests and their previous lifestyle choices.