On the house – Poole care home resident’s wish granted to visit family’s pub

A local care home has helped one resident visit the Poole Quay pub his great-grandfather used to own.

79-year-old, David Davies, a resident at Care UK’s The Potteries, on York Road, has completed his greatest wish to visit the pub his great grandfather ran in the early 1900s.

The care home team have a ‘Wishing Tree’ initiative, which allows residents to suggest ideas for new hobbies they’d like to try, places they’d like to visit or even activities linked to past careers. This encourages residents to live fulfilling lives – from skiing to a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.

David has a long history with the town of Poole having lived there his whole life. While his great grandfather John Henry Davies was a publican at the Jolly Sailor pub in the early 1900s, his family’s association with the pub dates back to the 1800s. His family were well known by those in the local fishing industry, as fishermen would often stop by the pub for some food and drink.

David had always wanted to visit the pub to see it for himself and to be closer to his family history. Once the team at The Potteries heard about his dream to visit his family’s famous pub they were determined to make it happen.

On the day, David and lifestyle team member Kerry went to the pub and David was able to feel connected with his family history. The pair enjoyed a cold pint and chatting to the locals. 

David said commenting on the day: “Thank you. It was truly wonderful. It brought back some wonderful memories of us as a family talking about the pub.” 

Zita Turner, Home Manager at The Potteries, added: “Here at the Potteries, we consistently encourage residents to lead fulfilling lives, whether that comes from helping out in the garden, or traveling down memory lane like David.   

“We were overjoyed to be able to grant David’s wish and enable him to fulfill his dream to see the Jolly Sailor Pub. David had a fantastic day and it was wonderful to hear all his stories about his family and the pub they once ran.”

The team at the Potteries is also currently accepting 101 birthday cards for Dorothy Cattle a resident who is turning 101 on the 22^nd of April. Any birthday cards sent to the home would be hugely appreciated.

To find out more information about The Potteries, please contact Customer Relations Manager, Caroline Hearne, on 01202 069 835 or email caroline.hearne@careuk.com 

For more general information, please visit: careuk.com/the-potteries