A RESIDENT at a Winchester dementia care home checked off a wish on her ‘bucket list’ with the help of staff who brought Scotland to her.
Moira Pullen, 85, told carers at Colten Care’s St Catherines View that she would love to go to Scotland.
So staff, from the dementia care home in Stanmore, took the wish into their own hands by putting on a day of all things Scottish, topped off with a visit from a London bagpiper.
As a young girl, Moira spent many happy days playing outdoors while visiting an aunt and uncle living in the Highlands.
Companionship team member Immy Fletcher said: “Moira has very fond memories of holidays there every summer and told us of her wish to take a trip once again.
“Unfortunately, a flight to Edinburgh and travel to the Highlands would be a bit too much for Moira now. So we decided to bring Scotland to her.”
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The event, which coincided with St Andrew’s Day on November 30, began with Scottish decorations such as bunting and cakes topped with Saltire flags.
Residents and staff then moved onto colouring in pictures of Scottish flags and bagpipers to stick them onto the windows and in the lounge.
But the main event was a visit from professional bagpiper Cliff Hall, pipe sergeant of the City of London Pipe Band, from Twickenham.
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Immy said: “He came in full dress and played some traditional Scottish music that we all recognised and could tap our feet along to.
“Moira was absolutely delighted and especially enjoyed having her photo taken with him.”
The bagpiper said: “It was a great pleasure and honour to come and play the bagpipes on St Andrew’s Day at St Catherines View. I’d like to thank all the staff for their assistance and making me feel so welcome. The genuine love and care demonstrated towards the residents was overwhelming.
"A special mention to Moira Pullen for becoming my number one fan and a big thank you to all her friends who also came to watch and listen to me play.”
The set list featured tunes such as Scotland the Brave, I Love a Lassie, Stop Your Tickling Jock and Flower of Scotland.
The visit also brought back lovely memories for another St Catherines View resident who grew up in Glasgow and went to university there.
She said: “As a fellow Scot, it was lovely to hear the bagpipes and some traditional music that I remember so well.”
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