Brocastle Manor Care Home resident, Roger, recently enjoyed a special trip to Porthcawl to see the paddle steamer, Waverley, during its stopover.
Roger has lived in the Bridgend area for over 50 years and after retirement he volunteered on the Waverley for 15 years, often providing the onboard commentary during trips on the Bristol Channel.
Following a series of strokes four years ago, Roger moved to Brocastle Manor and now uses a wheelchair and is only able to make minimal conversation. There are many photos of the Waverley on the walls of Roger’s room, and he always enjoys hearing about the ship.
Roger’s family were keen to arrange the short trip to Porthcawl so he could see his favourite ship once again. There was no stopping Debbie, one of the home’s well-being co-ordinators, once she knew about the idea, and with the support of our Care team, ensuring Roger was well enough to travel, grand plans were made.
Members of Brocastle Manor’s team volunteered on their day off to make the trip happen, including David Pearse, the home’s maintenance person who drove the minibus to transport the small group to the nearby seaside town.
Talking about the day, Roger’s nephew Michael, said: “A supporting team of family and friends joined us at the harbour to watch the ship approach. When it had moored at the quay we went alongside it for a closer look. The purser, Andrew, came out to greet him and together with another volunteer on board, Geoffrey, they shared their great affection for the ship and thanked Roger for his part in ensuring its continued operation through half a century in preservation.
“A special thanks must go to the home's well-being co-ordinator, Debbie. Her commitment to making this trip happen epitomises the care that all the staff at Brocastle have given to Roger in these last four years, as they do for all their residents.”