Newbury care home resident steps back in time at local theatre

A Newbury care home resident was thrilled when her wish to revisit one of her most treasured places was made a reality.

When the team at Care UK’s Winchcombe Place, on Maple Crescent, learned that 93-year-old resident, Rosemary Haynes had strong personal connections to the home’s local theatre and a desire to return, they were keen to make her wish come true.

 

Rosemary and her late husband, John, used to spend a great deal of time at the Watermill Theatre together, watching many productions as friends of the Theatre.

Having not visited the theatre in many years, Rosemary was keen to go back and see the bench overlooking the river and seat in the auditorium which are in memory of her husband – a way of cherishing the special times spent in the theatre together.

Having contacted the theatre’s General Manager, Clare Lindsay, who remembered Rosemary from her previous visits, the team at Winchcombe Place also arranged a special afternoon tea for Rosemary and some of the other friends of the theatre, making the day extra special. 

Rosemary said: “I had a wonderful day – it was lovely to spend time reminiscing and going over treasured memories with Clare and some of the other friends of the theatre. It was incredibly special to go back!”

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

Vicki Lambourne, Customer Relations Manager at Winchcombe Place, added: “Rosemary regularly shares fond memories of her trips to the theatre with her husband, John, and we were honoured to help her return to somewhere so special.

“Our Wishing Tree initiative is a great way for residents to share their goals and it’s hugely rewarding to be able to make these a reality. The day clearly meant a lot to Rosemary and it was lovely to see her reminiscing and sharing cherished stories with the friends of the theatre.

“Rosemary had a lovely day and is already counting down the days until we return to see the theatre’s Christmas production in December!”

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.

To find out more about Winchcombe Place, call Customer Relations Manager, Vicki Lambourne, on 01635 899526, or email vicki.lambourne@careuk.com.

For more general information, visit careuk.com/winchcombe-place.