91-year-old Victor Archer was thrilled when his wish to visit his old stomping ground, Coalville Fire and Rescue Station, was granted by his care home in Swadlincote, Cadley Hill View.
In 2022, Cadley Hill View launched a ‘Make a Wish’ programme for its residents, where each resident wrote down their perfect day and placed it in a ‘wishing well’.
Each month, a wish is picked from the well and granted by the care team in the home. Some of the wishes included spa pamper days, shopping trips and afternoon teas.
The latest wish granted was made by ex-fireman, Victor, who moved into Cadley Hill View in July 2022.
Victor became part of Coalville Fire and Rescue Station in 1954 at the age of 23 and spent over three decades working as a fireman in the Derbyshire and Leicester area.
After hearing Victor speak so fondly of his days as a fireman, the staff at Cadley Hill View couldn’t wait to make Victor’s dream come true after plucking his wish from the well.
The team at Coalville Fire and Rescue Station invited Victor to spend a day with them and show him how the fire and rescue service has changed since his retirement in 1985.
During his visit, the team demonstrated the use of infrared cameras, oxygen masks and the latest fire engine technology. Victor said,
‘It was nothing like it used to be when I was a fireman! We didn’t have any of the equipment they had – we had ladders and water pumps, but there’s been a big change and I was really impressed.
‘The men at the station were very kind and being there brought back a lot of proud memories of saving people’s lives. I really enjoyed my visit; I hope I can take my great grandchildren for a tour.’
A member of the Blue Watch team at the fire station said,
‘It was an absolute pleasure showing Victor around, he’s such a lovely man. We’d love to show his great grandchildren around the station!’
After the tour, Victor shared tea and cake with the fire and rescue team, telling stories of his days at the station and his old squad.
David Godrich, the Home Manager at Cadley Hill View, said,
‘We’d like to thank Coalville Fire and Rescue Station for helping us to grant Victor’s wish. We do all we can to give our residents experiences they will never forget, and to see Victor’s face light up during his fire station tour was incredible.
‘We can’t wait to see whose wish we’ll be granting next!’
For more information, call 01283 907 036, email cadleyhill.view@idealcarehomes.co.uk or visit www.idealcarehomes.co.uk.
Cadley Hill View is a purpose-built luxury residential and dementia care home, located on Darklands Road in Swadlincote, and rated ‘GOOD’ by the CQC (Care Quality Commission). With 66 ensuite bedrooms, the home provides person-centred care and a full and varied activities programme. Cadley Hill View offers an all-inclusive fee, designed to give residents and their loved ones peace of mind.