Cheadle care home resident takes a trip down memory lane

A Cheadle care home resident was delighted to be reunited with her former pupils after more than 30 years.

When the team at Care UK’s Abney Court, in Abney Hall Park, learned that 91-year-old retired primary school teacher, Margaret McMorron, was keen to be reunited with her reception class, they were determined to make it happen.

Margaret’s teaching career began when she was just 19 years old. Inspired by her love of education and school, she attended Didsbury teaching college, and later qualified, spending 30 years teaching the reception class at St Paul’s Primary School, in Withington.

On the day, the team at Abney Court arranged for five of Margaret’s former pupils to pay her a surprise visit, with others who couldn’t make the special occasion sending her letters. 

Rita Ralston, parent of a child Margaret taught, even wrote her a list of what her favourite pupils are up to now. Margaret enjoyed learning about their careers, marriages and children, and particularly loved seeing pictures of her former pupils, now grown up.

One student said to Margaret: “I just want to say thank you for giving me and fellow students the best start in life. It’s because of teachers like you that we thrive in school”.

Margaret said: “I loved the whole day; it was so nice to see my fellow teachers and pupils again. 

Zoe Smart, Home Manager at Abney Court, said: “Margaret always speaks so fondly of her teaching days, and the team at Abney Court were delighted to organise such a wonderful opportunity for Margaret to reminisce on her younger years.

“It was fantastic to see Margaret reconnect and share happy memories of her successful teaching career. There was an amazing atmosphere with everyone chatting and sharing their life updates with one another.”

Abney Court has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.