Sutton Coldfield care home residents’ wishes made a reality

Residents at a care home in Sutton Coldfield were delighted when they had the chance to rekindle memories of their favourite hobby.

When the team at Care UK’s Mercia Grange, on Lichfield Road, learned that golf mad residents Celia, Pamela, Joyce, Valerie and Ann, were all keen to take a trip down memory lane with a visit to the local golf club they were determined to make it happen.

The team arranged for the ladies to visit Sutton Coldfield Golf Club, where the club members organised a special VIP afternoon tea for them to be wined and dined, as the residents reminisced fondly about their younger days on the putting green and time at the club.

The visit was particularly special for Joyce and Pamela who had been members of Sutton Coldfield Golf Club. Joining the golf club in the 1980s, Pamela remained a member for over 15 years, where she won multiple tournaments.

Growing up, Joyce and Pamela all spent their younger years playing golf. With a strong passion for the sport even now, the ladies regularly put their putting skills to the test at Mercia Grange, and closely follow golf tournaments.

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.

Commenting on their experience, Joyce said: “I really enjoyed the day and would love to go back!”

Lynn Bennett, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, added: “The ladies love to share their memories of playing golf in their younger years, and when they told us they were interested in visiting the club they used to play at regularly, 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. The ladies had a wonderful time being wined and dined, while getting to see some familiar faces sharing memories of the game they all love.

“I’d like to extend a big thank you to the team here at Mercia Grange, as well as to Sutton Coldfield Golf Club, for helping to make the golfing ladies’ wishes come true!”

Mercia Grange is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia, and short-term respite care. The three-storey care home, which features 67 ensuite bedrooms, has been designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.