To preserve a piece of mobility history, Recare, the family-run healthcare and rehabilitation mobility equipment specialist, has acquired a rare three-wheeler 1951 Argson Electric power trike from Yorkshire-based Mathewsons Classic Car Auctions.
The Argson Electric was produced by the Stanley Engineering Company – historically a market leading manufacturer of hand, motor and electric transport for users with disabilities. Between 1924 and 1954 the Argson Electric was a pioneering vehicle with around 1,500-2,000 manufactured on a specialist production line in Surrey. The example now owned by the Recare family was the 799th produced and is one of only around 30 remaining worldwide. This particular ‘invalid carriage’, as it was classified back then, is extremely rare as it still displays its original chassis plate. Once restored to full working order, the Holland-Oakes family, owners of Recare, intend to display this fascinating museum piece at relevant mobility events for the interest of today, and tomorrow’s generation, and the education of this product which encapsulates a part of this industries memory.
Richard Holland-Oakes, CEO and Co-Founder of Recare, is a life-long car enthusiast and collector. As a fan of the Yesterday Channel TV Series ‘Bangers & Cash’, he follows the car auctioneers Mathewsons Limited who are featured on the programme. The Argson Electric came up as a lot for sale which caught Richard’s eye as he explains: “When you have a combined passion for engineering and mobility, the opportunity to acquire a historic disability vehicle cannot be missed in my opinion. For the benefit of all within our sector, that’s end users and professionals, being able to preserve our heritage can help shape the future. Our plans for the Argson Electric are only in their infancy however we already know the long trip to Yorkshire was very much worth it!”
The Argson Electric is now undergoing renovations in the specialist Recare workshops in Oxfordshire. It is a sight to behold as it is parked alongside today’s hi-tech powerchairs available from Recare – a striking juxtaposition that demonstrates how far technology has progressed in 70 years. Andrew Oakes, a Recare Rehabilitation Consultant, and brother of Richard, concludes: “It was truly a memorable day for Richard and I when we travelled to picturesque Pickering to meet Derek Mathewsons, auctioneer owner and star of Bangers & Cash. He was delighted to hand over the Argson Electric to us especially as we chatted about its significance and how Recare intend to share it with the rest of the mobility community. Our new pride and joy will be appearing very soon, it will definitely be a head turner.”
Recare, the family-run specialist in healthcare and rehabilitation equipment, has appointed Grant Turner as its in-house Occupational Therapist (OT).
As a respected provider of quality assistive equipment, Recare is renowned for its assessment-led approach and clinical expertise. Since being established by the Holland-Oakes family, it has continually worked closely with healthcare professionals so that the best outcomes are achieved for clients with disabilities. The range of wheelchairs, powerchairs and mobility products Recare provides is one of the largest in the UK – all supported by Trusted Assessors with a proven understanding of medical conditions and associated challenges. This service prowess will now be enhanced by the introduction of Grant and his informed recommendations, backed up by a new stream of consumer advice and CPD education from this amiable and ambitious OT. Grant has a BSc in Occupational Therapy and a Diploma in Health and Social Care.
Before joining Recare, Grant, 26 from Desborough, was a Band 6 Wheelchair, Mobility and Seating OT for Northamptonshire Wheelchair Services. Previously to this, Grant fulfilled a rotational position at NHS Kettering General Hospital, helping patients in a variety of departments from the stroke unit and orthopaedics to elderly and frailty. In addition to being a Practice Educator supporting graduates at the hospital, Grant’s seniority developed in Northamptonshire Millbrook Wheelchair Services, funded through NHS commissioners. His experience of mobility, postural care and pressure management ensured patients had greater comfort and support on discharge. During this time Grant worked closely with Recare’s Tim Cox, Rehabilitation Director, as they shared premises and were able to liaise efficiently regarding patient equipment needs. This ‘symbiotic bond’ provided the foundations for Grant’s new career at Recare.
Grants explains: “My role at KGH led to working for Millbrook Healthcare Wheelchair Services where I honed my wheelchair assessment skills. This was perfect grounding for a role with Recare where I could be less limited on my prescriptions. Throughout my career I have always strived to go above and beyond for my patients so I guess you can say my expertise and talent have been released. My holistic approach to mobility perfectly fits with the Recare ethos. I am delighted to have joined such a caring and proactive team.”
Grant has settled into his role quickly and has already completed extensive product training. He is working alongside Recare Assessors on a daily basis, which has already produced several highlights as Grant concludes: “Being able to spend more time with clients is rewarding for me. I am able to assess, discuss and recommend with less pressures and with more of a holistic approach. One particular client interaction really stands out. To be present when a client was able to stand for the first time after a spinal injury, using one of our sophisticated exoskeleton suits, was a joy to behold. This epitomised why I do what I do.”
Outside of his busy career, Grant is a keen book review blogger, gamer and is passionate about film, particularly superhero movies.