Newbury care home fulfils resident’s udder-ly adorable wish

A Newbury care home resident was delighted when his wish to see some his favourite animals up close again was made a reality.

When the team at Care UK’s Winchcombe Place, on Maple Crescent, ‘herd’ that 91-year-old resident, Terence Fenemore, who spent over 75 years working as a farmer, was keen to relive his workdays by getting up close with some of his favourite animals, they were determined to make it happen.

Terence’s love for farming was handed down through generations of his family, who had been farming for over 150 years. Mucking in from a young age, Terence started helping on the farm during school holidays, before pursuing farming full-time aged 14.

In 1955, Terence moved from Oxfordshire to Berkshire, where he helped manage Manor Farm and Balson Farm, in Inkpen. The farm spanned an impressive 800 acres of land and was home to an array of crops including wheat, oat and barley, and a small herd of cattle.

Under Terence’s management, during which he made improvements to drainage and cultivation, as well as embracing the use of machinery, the farm flourished, and Terence was achieving impressive crop yields of three tonnes an acre – all going towards bread, beer and porridge.

To help fulfil his wish, the team at Winchcombe Place arranged a special visit from Chloe’s Mobile Farm, who brough along a gaggle of furry and feathered friends, including a guinea pig, a rabbit and a pair of chickens.

Terence and his friends at the home, enjoyed an afternoon interacting with the animals and exchanging memories of family pets from their younger days.

Terence said: “One of my greatest joys during my time on the farm was sharing it with my children – they would often play with the chickens and dogs which was lovely to see.

“I had so much fun hanging out with the chickens and rabbits! The fluffy rabbits and chirpy chickens really made my day – I can’t wait to see them again.”

The special 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 a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.

Shirley Summerbell, Home Manager at Winchcombe Place, said: “Terence is always sharing stories of his time on the farm – his knowledge and passion is incredible.

“Our Wishing Tree initiative is a wonderful way for residents to share their passions and ambitions and it’s hugely rewarding to be able to make these a reality. Animal therapy is a fantastic way to encourage a sense of purpose and promote relaxation, especially for older people, and having them visit always puts a smile on residents’ faces. Terence loved seeing the animals again and it was a wonderful way to encourage residents to share fond memories with one another.

“I’d like to extend a big thank you to the team at Winchcombe Place, as well as to Chloe’s Mobile Farm – we all had a wonderful afternoon!”

Winchcombe Place 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.