Newbury care home resident’s wish made a reality

 

A resident at a care home in Newbury was delighted when his wish to visit his old golf club was made a reality.

When the team at Care UK’s Winchcombe Place, on Maple Crescent, learned that 94-year-old Ernest Brimble was keen to go back to his old golf club, they were determined to make it happen.

Ernest began playing golf at 19 years old with friends. He’d always thought it was a great sport and loved to watch other people playing it. 

The team organised a special visit for Ernest to Donnington Grove Hotel and Country Club, a place where he used to watch his grandson, Johnathan, showcase his golfing skills. On the day of the visit, Ernest was accompanied by his daughter Sally. Together, they had the opportunity to test out their golf swings on the putting green, take a ride in a buggy, and relax with some well-deserved refreshments in the clubhouse. 

The visit was part of the home’s Wishing Tree initiative, which encourages residents to put their 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 his experience, Ernest said: “I had the best time playing golf again, and with a little more practice I hope to be competing at the Masters!”

Claire Cullen, Home Manager at Winchcombe Place, added: “Ernest loves to talk about his memories of golf, and when he told us he wanted to play again, 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. Ernest had a wonderful time putting his skills to the test and seeing if he still had his golf swing – he is already talking about going back!

“I’d like to extend a big thank you to the team at Donnington Grove Hotel and Country Club for helping make Ernest's wish come true!”

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.