Weybridge care home serves up resident a grand-slam tennis wish

An 89-year-old resident at a care home in Weybridge has had his wish for an ace afternoon.

Maurice Ridgwell, who lives at Care UK’s Norfolk House on Portmore Park Road, was treated to a day at the tennis after the team learned about his heartfelt wish to visit his former club.

Although not a sport from his youth, Maurice started playing tennis after his family moved from Walton to Weybridge. He joined St George’s Hill Tennis Club in 1977 and never looked back, becoming a familiar face on the court and a permanent fixture at the club for more than 40 years.

On his special visit, Maurice and his family were warmly welcomed back by Club Manager Natalie Marchant, who offered refreshments in the café before they made their way outside to watch some tennis.

Maurice spent time at the courts reminiscing and spoke about the photo he had brought with him. As if by magic, his dear friend Janet Ayers – who was in the photo presenting Maurice with a small trophy – appeared, and Maurice was delighted to see a familiar face.

He said: “I had a very nice visit. Natalie welcomed me and my family warmly, and we enjoyed sitting together and talking about old times at the café. Going around the club brought back many happy memories.

“It was a lovely surprise to see Janet again! I was very happy to be there watching people play on the courts and spending time with my family.”

In his heyday, Maurice took on a leadership role within the club, setting up ‘The Rabbits’ – a group of players that met up weekly for casual matches. Off the court, the club was a bustling social scene and hosted an annual New Year’s Eve ball, at which Maurice and his wife Celia were regular attendees for 20 years.

St George’s Hill became a second home for the Ridgewell family. In later years, he would take his daughter Claire and the rest of his family there for a Sunday roast dinner, and well into their adulthood it was still a favourite location for a family get-together.

Maurice’s experience was made possible thanks to Care UK’s Wishing Tree initiative, which encourages 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. From skiing trips to a fish and chip supper, the programme is designed to help residents lead fulfilling lives.

Sabu Prothasis, Home Manager at Norfolk House, said: “We were absolutely delighted to make Maurice’s wish come true. Seeing him light up while holding a racket again was incredible.

“St George’s Hill Tennis Club is a special place that holds so many happy memories for Maurice, so getting the chance to visit again meant the world to him.

“Our Wishing Tree initiative is a wonderful way for residents to share their interests, and it’s so rewarding to bring these dreams to life.”

Norfolk House offers the highest standards of care, including residential, nursing and dementia care. The home incorporates plenty of space for hobbies and leisure activities and has its own activities room, hair and beauty salon and gardens.