Bracknell care home resident hits the mark

A 94-year-old resident at a care home in Bracknell has taken aim at a new passion. 

John Saunders, who lives at Care UK’s Bickerton House on Warfield Road, shared his wish with the home’s team to experience clay pigeon shooting.

John had tried shooting once before as a celebration of his retirement 30 years ago. Although he loved the experience, he never got round to carrying on his new passion. After a while, John and his family didn’t believe it was possible due to his age.

So when the team members at Bickerton House heard John’s request, they set to work. They arranged for John to visit Bisley Shooting Ground to take part in a lesson with the shooting manager before having a go at a few drives of his own. He was also treated to his own golf buggy to tour the grounds.

Over the course of the day, John hit a couple of clays and became the oldest person to shoot at the venue. 

He said: “I didn’t think I would be able to go clay pigeon shooting again, let alone hit the clays with my mobility and eyesight! The shooting ground was amazing, and Michael was so helpful. I can’t believe I was able to do it. I have trouble just walking to the dining hall now let alone shooting a gun! I’m very proud of myself for achieving it.”

John’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. This ensures they lead rewarding lives – from skiing to a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small for the team to try to grant.

Michael Pallister, Home Manager at Bickerton House, said: “When we heard John was keen to try a new hobby, we were delighted to make his dream a reality.

“Moments like this are exactly what the Wishing Tree initiative is all about – helping residents enjoy new experiences that bring a real sense of fulfilment.

“I would like to thank Bisley Shooting Ground and the care team for making this such a wonderful day. John hasn’t stopped talking about it since he returned!”

Bickerton House has been designed to encourage residents to remain as independent as possible in a safe environment. The state-of-the-art care home provides full-time residential, nursing and specialist dementia care, as well as short-term respite care, and features a pub, cinema and hair and beauty salon.