Stansted care home resident’s wish to return to primary school almost 90 years later made a reality

A Stansted care home resident was delighted when her wish to relive some of her fondest childhood memories came true.

When the team at Care UK’s Mountfitchet House, on Coltsfield, learned that 100-year-old resident, Joan Grose, was keen to get her learning cap on and revisit her old school, they were determined to make it happen.

Having grown up in the nearby town of Sawbridgeworth, Joan started at Fawbert and Barnard Infant and Nursery School in 1928, where her favourite subjects included reading and writing.

The team arranged for Joan 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. Joan was able to look though the old school registers to find herself, as well as her brother, Eric.

Commenting on the experience, Joan said: “It was amazing to see so many little smiley faces – one little boy said I was ‘magical’ for being 100 which made me laugh.

“I was speechless at how big the school was compared to when I was there and amazed to see they still have the original gates for boys and girls where we used to line up!”

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

Joanna Duke, Home Manager at Mountfitchet House, said: “Joan 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. Joan 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 Mountfitchet House and Fawbert and Barnard Infant and Nursery School for a fantastic day and for making Joan’s wish come true!”

Mountfitchet House 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.