Cheadle care home resident reconnects with family history at local wetlands

A resident at a care home in Cheadle has had his dream of revisiting a cherished local landmark brought to life. 

Jim Jones, 93, a resident at Care UK’s Abney Court, located in Abney Hall Park on Manchester Road, had his long-held wish fulfilled with a trip to Martin Mere Wetland Centre – a place with a unique family connection. 

His wife’s uncle, Ronnie Barker, played a key role in the creation of Martin Mere. Ronnie worked alongside his close friend and landowner Matt Singer, and renowned artist, naturalist and conservationist Peter Scott to catch and ring geese in the area to track their journeys – laying the foundations for what is now Martin Mere Wetland Centre.

What started out as simple marshland has since grown into a much-loved wetland centre, providing a haven for countless bird species and a destination for wildlife enthusiasts from across the country.

Jim lived just five minutes away from the wetlands and regularly visited with his wife and children. So, when the team heard he wanted to return and reconnect with this special part of his family’s history, they were delighted to make his wish come true.

On the day, the team arranged for Jim to visit the wetland with fellow Abney Court resident and friend, Arthur Parry. The pair enjoyed a tour of the reserve, spotting an abundance of birdlife and reflecting on how the landscape has evolved over the decades.

Jim said: “It started off as marshland and Ronnie Barker saved this land and helped home lots of birds. It was so lovely to see how far the Wetland Centre has come.

“When Jess and Lisa took Arthur and me round Martin Mere, I felt so touched by their incredible efforts to make this happen. Seeing the Wetland Centre in Martin Mere has been such a delight. Uncle Ronnie Barker would be so proud of the difference he made for the birds in Martin Mere.”

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.

Julie McDowell, Home Manager at Abney Court said: “Jim often talks about Martin Mere and its special connection to his family, so when he told us he wanted to return, we knew we 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. Seeing the smile on Jim’s face and hearing his stories as he explored the wetlands with Arthur was truly priceless.

“I’d like to extend a thank you to the team here at Abney Court for helping to make his wish come true!”

Abney Court provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to support residents in leading active and fulfilling lives, the home offers plenty of space indoors and outdoors for relaxation and recreation. A comprehensive programme of themed events and group activities takes place regularly for residents and visitors alike.