Newbury care home resident returns to late wife’s favourite gardens

A resident at a care home in Newbury spent the day reminiscing in the gardens he used to walk with his late wife. 

When Ron Cummings, aged 88, told the team at Care UK’s Winchcombe Place, on Maple Crescent, that he’d love to visit his and his wife’s old walking spot, they quickly got to work arranging a memorable trip to the Yattendon Estates.

Ron has loved nature since he was a child. Him and his late wife, Anne, used to walk the Yattendon Estates regularly to admire the flowers and plants, and get ideas for Ron’s own blossoming garden at home. 

Ron’s daughter, Sarah, accompanied him around the grounds, as did fellow resident Ernie, with whom he has struck up a lovely friendship at Winchcombe Place.

He said: “I really enjoyed the day, the gardens have added new sculptures since the last time I came. I remember enjoying walking through the archway to enter the gardens.”

The visit formed part of Care UK’s Wishing Tree initiative, which enables residents to put forward their desire to revisit old hobbies and passions or try something completely new. Whether it’s a fish and chip supper, a skydive or watching a football match, no wish is too big or too small. 

Claire Cullen, Home Manager at Winchcombe Place, said: “We’re passionate about helping residents live fulfilling lives, whether that be through activities at the home or in the community, such as connecting residents to their past or bringing back happy memories from their younger years. 

"Yattenden Estate holds a very special place in Ron’s heart, as it was once his favourite walking spot when his wife was still alive. He talks about these memories very fondly, and he’s very passionate about the outdoors in general: he’s impressed us all with many pictures of his garden!

"It was very rewarding to see how happy Ron was after the visit, especially as he could return to the home with Ernie to chat all about their day!”

Winchcombe Place has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives in a luxury environment. The home provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care, and there is plenty of space for relaxation and recreation.