Bromsgrove care home resident serves up smiles as he reconnects with past career

A resident at a care home in Bromsgrove has taken a trip down memory lane during a surprise ice cream van visit.

When the team at Care UK’s Chandler Court, on Recreation Road, learned former ice cream vendor Gordon Chambers was keen to serve once again, they were determined to make his wish come true. 

They arranged a secret visit from local business BB King Whippy to the home, during which Gordon was able to dish up dessert and relive happy memories. 

He spent time chatting with vendor Brett about his own experiences on the road before helping hand out free ice creams to residents and team members.

Gordon said: “It was bloody lovely. It brought back memories to when I bought my first van.”

Gordon, now 88, worked as an ice cream vendor in Rubery and Bromsgrove for 15 years during his younger years. He recalls meeting and chatting with people in the local community.

The visit 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 flying a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small for the team to try to grant.

Melanie Chapman, Customer Relations Manager at Chandler Court, said: “Gordon often shares memories of his time working as an ice cream man, and it's clear just how much he enjoyed the job and the connections he made with people. We knew we had to reunite him with his career and get him serving ice cream again!

“Our Wishing Tree initiative is a great way for residents to share their dreams and passions, and it’s incredibly rewarding to be able to make these a reality. Gordon had a fantastic day and we're so pleased we could make this wish come true.

“A big thank you to Brett at BB King Whippy for generously donating the ice creams and helping make the day so special.”

Chandler Court is a state-of-the-art care home that provides full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable its residents to lead active and fulfilling lives, it has its very own cinema, pub and hair and beauty salon, and there is plenty of space both indoors and out for relaxation and recreation.