Every day’s a school day – Bristol care home resident’s wish to return to primary school 75 years later made a reality

A resident at a care home in Bristol was delighted when her wish to relive some of her fondest childhood memories came true.

When the team at Care UK’s Trymview Hall, on Southmead Road, learned that 85-year-old Sheila Pope was keen to get her learning cap on and revisit her old school, they were determined to make it happen.

Having grown up in Bristol, Sheila started at Fonthill Primary Academy in the early 1940s where her favourite subjects include maths and writing.

The team arranged for Sheila to take a tour of her old primary school and meet a group of children to share her own experiences of school, as well as learn about how things have changed.

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, Sheila said: “It was lovely go be back at my old school – it felt very familiar and brought back so many memories!”

Nicole Anderson, Home Manager at Trymview Hall, added: “Sheila loves to talk about her memories from her school days, so, when she shared that she was interested in revisiting her old primary school, 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. Sheila had a wonderful time taking a trip down memory lane and meeting some of the current pupils – she hasn’t stopped smiling since.

“I’d like to extend a big thank you to the team here at Trymview Hall and Fonthill Primary Academy for a fantastic day and for making Sheila’s wish come true!”

Trymview Hall is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, 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 Trymview Hall, please call Customer Relations Manager, Nicola Wolff-Donitz, on 0117 911 6989, or email nicola.wolff-donitz@careuk.com

For more general information, please go to careuk.com/trymview-hall