Dream comes true for one care home resident

A great grandmother has had a wish granted, thanks to staff from her care home in Southampton.

Joan Kitchen, 87, was on a day trip to Hamble Marina with other residents from Anchor’s Dawson Lodge when Activities Champion Jennifer Dupuy told a surprised Joan that they had organised a trip on the Pink Ferry for her.

Former short-hand secretary Joan, who has lived in Dawson Lodge in Botley Road since June last year, has always liked travelling on ferries either with her family or when she travelled independently.

The last time Joan, who was born in Eastleigh and has always lived in the Southampton area, went on a ferry was two years ago when she visited Hayling Island.

Jennifer said: “We spend a lot of time getting to know our residents and finding out about their hobbies and aspirations.

“We organise meaningful activities for the residents based on these conversations so they can have a fun time living at Anchor’s Dawson Lodge. The activities also stimulate them mentally and physically.

“We knew the ride on the Pink Ferry which goes from Hamble to Warsash was something that Joan would love to do so we organised this lovely surprise for her.”

Joan, who has five grandchildren and five great grandchildren, said she could not believe it when she had been told her wish had been granted.

She said: “I absolutely love going on ferries as it reminds me of when I travelled years ago. It was a wonderful surprise.”

Jennifer organised the surprise for Joan during a day trip to the marina with 14 other residents and seven members of staff from Dawson Lodge.

One of the other highlights of the day was their visit to the Beach Hut Café which overlooks the marina.

As many of the residents remembered the marina from when they were younger, the visit created a lot of chatter amongst the residents who shared memories of previous visits to the area.

For Joan, the visit to the marina reminded her of past day trips to the coast with friends and family, and the usual fish and chip supper afterwards.

For more information about Dawson lodge, contact 02380 465707.