Salvation Army band grants special wish for Wickmeads resident Ron
Wickmeads was filled with the sound of music recently as members of the Salvation Army paid a very special visit to grant a wish for resident Ron.
For many years, Ron was an important part of his local Salvation Army Band, so the Wickmeads team arranged a surprise that would bring back some very special memories.
On Sunday morning, Ron’s friends from the Salvation Army arrived at the home and gathered in the Stour Lounge to perform a selection of much-loved hymns.
A musical surprise for Ron
The visit was a particularly meaningful one for Ron, who has a long connection with the Salvation Army and its music.
As the band began to play, residents, relatives and friends gathered to enjoy the performance together.
Favourite hymns were called out for the musicians to play, with each familiar tune appearing to resonate with Ron and bringing back memories from many years of involvement with the band.
Memories shared between the music
The morning was about much more than the performance itself.
Some of the Salvation Army members have known Ron and his brother since childhood, and between hymns they shared stories and memories from their many years of friendship.
These moments of reminiscence made the visit particularly special, giving everyone an opportunity to hear more about Ron’s life and the important role music and the Salvation Army have played within it.
Residents, relatives and friends were captivated by both the stories and the musical talent of the visiting band.
Bringing a resident’s interests to life
At Wickmeads, the team takes time to learn about residents’ lives, interests and experiences so that activities and special wishes can reflect what really matters to them.
For Ron, reconnecting with familiar people and music created a wonderful morning filled with friendship, memories and a real sense of belonging.
The visit was a lovely example of how familiar music can bring people together and provide a powerful connection with meaningful moments from the past.
A return visit already planned
The morning proved such a success that the Salvation Army has already agreed to return to Wickmeads for another visit.
Residents and the team are very much looking forward to welcoming them back for more music, stories and shared memories.
The special performance perfectly reflected Care South’s ethos of Food, Fun and Friendship, while helping make a meaningful wish come true for Ron.
