A RESIDENT at a care home in Bracknell has been left ‘stoked’ as his wish to reunite with his past fire crew colleagues was made a reality.
When the team at Care UK’s Bickerton House, on Warfield Road, heard that 79-year-old resident David Hedger was keen to relive his workdays and meet up with his old firefighter team, they set to work.
Team members arranged a special visit from former and current members of the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s White Watch – the crew in which Dave spent 30 years working.
Dave’s family and two grandsons also joined him, and everyone gathered in the home’s pub to catch up and reconnect after many years.
He said: “I couldn’t believe it when I saw so many old faces turn up just to see me.
“I really miss those days when I was able to do more, and it was lovely to show my grandsons what I used to do and meet my friends”
The crew even brought along two fire engines so Dave and his friends could enjoy an afternoon exploring the vehicles and reminiscing about their past careers.
Seeing the new generation of front line workers made them emotional as they thought back to their cherished and formative memories together.
Dave, who climbed the ranks and earned the title of sub-officer thanks to his passion and commitment, was also surprised by an appearance from the station commander, who was one of his previous colleagues’ sons.
He said: “It has really lifted my spirits since then, as some of my old friends are now visiting me, so I have gained so much more from that day.
“It brought us all back together.
“I would like to say a heartfelt thanks to the team at Bracknell and Ascot for bringing the fire engines and crew along, it meant so much.”
The special visit was part of Care UK’s Wishing Tree initiative, which encourages residents to put their dreams forward, allowing them to reconnect with a past career or try something completely new.
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.
Michael Pallister, home manager at Bickerton House, said: “Dave is always sharing stories of his time as a firefighter so he loved seeing the fire engines and his old crew.
“Here at Bickerton House, we encourage activities that connect residents to their past and this is one example of how we do it.
“Our Wishing Tree initiative is a wonderful way for residents to share their passions and ambitions, and it’s hugely rewarding to be able to make these a reality.
“We also know how beneficial nostalgic experiences can be.
“For many, they can provide a sense of purpose and improve wellbeing.
“I’d like to extend a big thank you to the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, as well as to the team here at Bickerton House – we all had a wonderful afternoon.”
Bickerton House has been designed to encourage residents to lead active and fulfilling lives and remain as independent as possible in a safe environment.
It 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.
For more information, call: 01344 989943, email: chantel.baigent@careuk.com or visit: careuk.com/bickerton-house.
