Trio takes trip down memory lane at Leamington Spa care home

Home news

Aug 20, 2019

A trio of residents at a Leamington Spa care home have each taken a trip down memory lane to relive fond memories.

The team at Care UK’s Priors House on Old Milverton Lane runs a Wishing Tree initiative to help make residents’ wishes come true. They recently decided to surprise three of their residents with a special day out for each of them to enjoy.

91-year-old former engineer, Mike Cremin, took a trip to Grimsby to relive family memories, while fellow 91-year-old Jean Binks spent the day reminiscing holiday fun at the seaside, and 87-year-old art-lover John Steel Nicholls took a trip to the National Gallery. 

Mike Cremin has lived in Kenilworth most of his life, but spent many a happy childhood summer visiting his aunts in Grimsby. As a firm believer that Grimsby is home to the best fish and chips he has ever tasted, his wish was to visit the coastal town to put the seaside supper to the test once again.   

Mike had a wonderful day, and enjoyed seeing how much had changed, but not the fish and chips; Mike was pleased to report that they’re still the best.

Fellow nonagenarian Jean Binks also took a trip to the seaside, but the south-coastal town of Mudeford in Dorset was the destination of her trip down memory lane, where she was able to pay her respects to her parents’ home town and final resting place. 

Mudeford holds a special place in Jean’s heart, for it is also the town where she spent many a summer with her daughters. A particular desire for the Priors House resident, was to visit the church where a stained-glass window was made in memory of her late father. 

It proved to be a very special day for Jean, who was able to experience a place that means so much to her and her family, and it gave her the chance to remember days gone by, but make new memories to treasure, too.

Completing the trio of wishes is Warwickshire-born John Steel Nicholls, whose passion for art prompted the Priors House team to treat him to a trip to the National Gallery; a place he has always wanted to visit. The day out ended with John purchasing a print of an original piece he has on the wall of his room at the care home. 

John, who enjoys private art classes at Priors House, had travelled the world, but had never been to the National Gallery; However, the team at Priors House changed that. John found great enjoyment in being surrounded by something he truly appreciates.  

Home manager at Priors House, Francine Summers, said: “Residents are at the heart of everything we do here, and we always like to go the extra mile to grant their wishes. I am delighted that we were able to make the wishes for Mike, Jean and John a reality; the days were poignant for all.”