A tee-riffic surprise – local care home resident’s wish made a reality

A resident at a care home in Woolmer Green was delighted when her wish to rekindle her favourite hobby was made a reality.

When the team at Care UK’s Knebworth, on London Road, learned that 82-year-old Norma Selby was keen to dust off her golf clubs for the first time in 15 years, they were determined to make it happen.

Growing up, Norma’s parents loved travelling all over the world to play golf, sparking Norma’s interest in the sport. Later in life, Norma and her husband, Ray, started playing more frequently, spending most of their free time at the golf course, it quickly became one of the pair’s favourite past-times.

The team arranged for Norma to visit Stevenage Golf and Conference Centre, where she played a par 3 game – a fun but challenging game, giving players only three attempts per hole.

The visit was part of the home’s Wishing Tree initiative, which encourages residents to put wishes forward, allowing them to reconnect with a past hobby or try something completely new – from flying on a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.

Commenting on her experience, Norma said: “I had the time of my life – I was delighted to learn I still have the knack of putting the ball!”

Vera Moreira-Henocq, Home Manager at Knebworth, added: “Norma loves to share her memories of playing golf with her husband, and when she told us she was interested in giving the sport another go, the team knew they had to make it happen. 

“Our wishing tree initiative is a great way for residents to share their dreams and interests, and it’s so rewarding to be able to make these a reality. Norma had a wonderful time putting her skills to the test and seeing if she still had her golf swing – she’s already talking about going back!

“I’d like to extend a big thank you to the team here at Knebworth, as well as to Stevenage Golf and Conference Centre, for helping make Norma’s wish come true!”

Knebworth is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia and short-term respite care. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.

For more information on Knebworth, please call Customer Relations Manager, Paula Brown, on 01438 893411, or email paula.brown@careuk.com 

For more general information, please go to careuk.com/knebworth