The Hounslow Re-engage tea party group stepped back in time as they dined at an old bikers’ haunt which two guests used to attend 70 years ago.

Nicky, 90, and Ann, 93, who has dementia, donned their beloved leathers and joined hordes of motorcyclists at the Ace Café in Wembley where the memories rolled back for ‘a really delightful day.’

The trip was organised by Elizabeth Whittington, coordinator of the west London group, who took along a group of 10 to the venue, which claims it's the world’s most famous motor café and ‘home for petrolheads.’ The special tea party was paid for by volunteer Paul Connolly, with the day capured in photos by Vicki Knight.

Nicky, who frequented the café with her then boyfriend Alan, when she was in her 20s, said: “It was the most fabulous day out and brought back wonderful memories. If the aim was to bring some joy to Ann’s life it couldn’t have been more successful. She’s normally quiet but as soon as she saw the bikes she absolutely blossomed, started chatting and waving her arms with delight. It really was a treat to see and epitomises what Re-engage is all about – getting people out to mix, have fun and enjoy a chat.”

Nicky and Alan often went to the Ace Café during the 'mods and rockers era' of the 1950s and 60s. Rockers were leather-clad motorbike fanatics and mods dressed fashionably and rode more sedate motor scooters.

Nicky, whose husband Cedric died six years ago, said: “They were brilliant times. Alan and I went all over the place on his motorbike. On one occasion my jeans almost caught fire when they got too close to the exhaust pipe. A similar thing happened to Ann – the soles of her shoes melted as she sat on the back of a bike with her feet on the exhaust. It sounds a little serious but it really was fun. I was with Alan for a while and then met Cedric and he was more into sailing, so my motorcycling days came to an end but I then got into skiing and loved that.

“It was so good going back to the café. There was a row of around 50 beautiful bikes lined up outside and one of the riders invited me to sit on a three wheeler, which I loved, but I had to sit side saddle.

“I had borrowed a leather jacket and bought a cap online so I was well kitted out. Some of the men there were wearing bandanas just as we did all those years ago. Everyone was so excited, and someone helped Ann sit on a mock up tricycle. Her face just lit up, the atmosphere was super.

“Elizabeth worked really hard to make the day work and it really did. She did an excellent job and it’s great that we have Re-engage and its lovely volunteers. It’s the nicest organisation you can find and does a wonderful job for lonely older people.”

Elizabeth, who has been with the Hounslow group for nearly 15 years, said: “We got the idea to go to the Ace Café after Ann enthralled us one day with the story about her shoes melting on the bike. One of the drivers, Chris, checked out the venue and I found out three guests had recently had birthdays. We got their favourite colours and one of the hosts, Lynette, baked a cake with blue, pink and purple layers, which matched balloons on the tables.

“It took a team effort but the enjoyment everyone got - particularly Ann - was fabulous to see.”