A local care home resident and former farmer spent an afternoon revisiting his harvesting years at a nearby museum.

 

When retired farmer, Laurence Simpson, aged 86, a resident at Care UK’s Salisbury Manor, on Shapland Close, told team members he wanted to visit Breamore Countryside Museum to see the farming machinery he once used, the team quickly got to work.

 

On the day, Laurence spent the afternoon sharing fond memories of farm life and reminiscing about his younger years growing up on a farm and starting his career in the agricultural sector. Laurence enjoyed explaining to the team how the old farm machinery worked and what it was used for – something even the museum volunteers found helpful for fellow visitors.

 

The visit was part of the home’s ‘Wishing Tree’ Initiative, which encourages residents to put wishes forward, allowing them to reconnect with a past career or try something completely new – from flying on a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.

 

Laurence was born at Lodge Farm home, in Higham, and at the age of 10, began farming each day, before and after school, where he would prepare the feed for the cattle and do odd jobs around the farm for his father.

 

Laurence grew up watching his father drive his Massey Harris combine harvester and other machinery, which is how he learnt how to farm. When Laurence turned 15-years-old, he left school to begin working on the farm full time, where he spent an impressive 55 years working on different farms, before he decided to hit the hay and retire.

 

Commenting on the afternoon, Laurence said: “Going to Breamore Countryside Museum was like going back in time, bringing back fond memories and getting to see the machinery my father used.”

 

Skye Williams, General Manager at Salisbury Manor, said: “It was wonderful to see Laurence in his element, showing everyone the machinery, he once manned.

 

“The visit brought back many memories for Laurence, and he shared many stories about his farming career – the team particularly loved learning about the machinery used to grow the food that we eat.

 

“At Salisbury Manor, we regularly organise activities and events that promote positive wellbeing and bring back happy memories from resident’s careers and younger years. It has also been so rewarding to see how much of a positive impact the ‘Wishing Tree’ Initiative has in creating new memories and hobbies for residents.

 

“It was a fantastic day that we will all remember for a long time.”

 

To find out more about Salisbury Manor contact Home Admissions Advisor at Salisbury Manor, Suzanne Hesk, on Suzanne.Hesk@careuk.com or call 01722 569782.

 

For more general information, please visit: careuk.com/salisbury-manor

 

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Salisbury Manor incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The home provides full-time residential care, nursing care, dementia care and respite care. The layout of the building is configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.