Care home resident relives ice cream vendor memories

News imageCare UK Gordon is sat in a wheelchair holding an ice cream. Behind him is Brett who is standing and giving the thumbs up. Gordon is wearing a maroon t-shirt and shorts. Brett is in a blue t-shirt and sunglasses.Care UK
Gordon Chambers was an ice cream vendor for 15 years

A care home resident and former ice cream vendor has been able to enjoy giving out the treats once again, after a surprise experience organised by his carers.

Gordon Chambers, 88, worked in Rubery and Bromsgrove for 15 years when he was younger, chatting to and meeting the local community.

His carers at Chandler Court, on Recreation Road in Bromsgrove, said they arranged for local business, BB King Whippy, to visit the home recently and help Chambers relive happy memories.

He helped serve free ice creams to residents, describing the day as "bloody lovely".

"It brought back memories to when I bought my first van," he added.

Chambers chatted to vendor Brett about his own experiences while also distributing ice creams to the care team, the home said.

Care UK, who run the home, said they like to enable residents to make suggestions about hobbies or experiences they would like to try through its Wishing Tree scheme.

"Gordon often shares memories of his time working as an ice cream man, and it's clear just how much he enjoyed the job and the connections he made with people", Melanie Chapman, Customer Relations Manager at Chandler Court, said.

"We knew we had to reunite him with his career and get him serving ice cream again.

"Gordon had a fantastic day and we're so pleased we could make this wish come true."

Chapman added: "A big thank you to Brett at BB King Whippy for generously donating the ice creams and helping make the day so special."

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