Kingfishers Residents Visit Isle of Wight to Fulfil Personal Wishes

On Monday 7th July, three residents from Kingfishers care home in New Milton took part in a specially organised day trip to the Isle of Wight, each with a personal wish to fulfil.

The visit, arranged by the care team, combined meaningful stops that reflected the individual interests and life stories of residents Alan, Gill and Mollie.

For 99-year-old Alan, the trip marked an emotional return to his birthplace. His wish was to revisit St Mildred’s Church, where he once stood as best man at a close friend’s wedding. “It brought back so many memories—I never thought I’d come back here again,” he said.

Gill, a long-time history enthusiast, had always wanted to visit Osborne House, the former royal residence of Queen Victoria. She described the visit as “more than just a day out—it was a shared experience of joy, nostalgia, and friendship,” adding, “A huge thank you to Rose and Sarah for bringing these wishes to life.”

Mollie, who enjoys both travel and heritage, embraced the whole day—from the ferry crossing to exploring royal history and the final stop at St Mildred’s Church. “The visit to the church was the cherry on top!” she said.

Companion Team Leader Rose, who supported the visit, said: “Interpreting and responding to residents’ personal wishes is a key part of what we do. These kinds of experiences offer meaningful engagement, connection, and a chance to revisit places that hold real emotional value.”

The trip is part of Kingfishers’ ongoing work to support resident wellbeing through individualised activity planning and community-based outings.