Abbey View recently helped make a resident’s wish come true when Alec had the chance to see and handle real owls.
Alec, who has long been fascinated by owls, was joined in the care home’s lounge by residents, relatives and staff for a visit from Owl Obsession, a local educational group. The group brought a variety of birds, including Gizmo, a Barn Owl, and shared information about different species.
Residents were captivated by the elegant birds, many of whom had the opportunity to hold an owl under supervision. Alec was particularly thrilled when he held Gizmo, watching the Barn Owl flap its wings and take in the room. “I have always loved owls, and seeing one up close, especially a Barn Owl, has made my wish complete!” he said.
Companionship Team Leader Bev added: “It was wonderful to see Alec so happy and engaged. Hosting events like this allows our residents to pursue their passions and experience something truly memorable.”
The visit sparked plenty of conversation and curiosity throughout Abbey View, and staff are looking forward to welcoming Owl Obsession back to learn more about other types of owls.

Abbey View resident David, a former Captain in the Parachute Regiment, visited the Parachute Tap Room in Sherborne on a minibus trip specially arranged by team members at the home.

The Tap Room is located on the site of a former silk mill that manufactured parachutes during World War II including those used in the D-Day landings.

Accompanied by fellow residents Roy and Ken, David was welcomed by Tap Room Manager Peter and invited to sample a new ale, currently being launched, called The Paratrooper.

The visitors were also shown a large framed photograph from 1945 capturing the interior of the 19th century mill building at the height of its wartime deployment.

David, who spent ten years as a Parachute Regiment Captain based in Cyprus, attributes one or two of his aches and pains at age 94 to his parachuting life.

During his service career, he suffered a broken shoulder and several other injuries, yet smiling at his distant memories while on the Tap Room visit, he said: “Those were the best years of my life and I wouldn’t change them for anything.”

Abbey View Companionship Team Leader Bev de Bruyn, who accompanied David, Roy and Ken on the trip, said: “We thank Peter and the Tap Room theme for hosting us. The entire experience just seemed perfectly made for Captain David Froud!”

Peter said: “It was a great pleasure and honour to host our visitors from Abbey View. It was extra special to learn that David has a personal connection with the Parachute Regiment.”