Latest news with #WishingTree
Scotsman
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
zoo-tiful day: Edinburgh care home residents have a wild time at local zoo
Residents from an Edinburgh care home had a roaring good time on their visit to the zoo, where they marked special occasions, reconnected with past passions and even created some monkey mischief. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The team and residents from Care UK's Murrayside, on South Beechwood, visited Edinburgh Zoo to meet and feed a host of furry and feathered friends. From admiring rhinos and penguins to sharing laughs with cheeky meerkats and monkeys, the residents enjoyed a fun-filled, hands-on day. One resident, Sandra Gillon, 86, experienced a special moment during the visit. A former zoo volunteer and passionate rhino advocate, Sandra was delighted to meet the current volunteer, chatting enthusiastically about all things rhinoceros and sharing stories from her time at the zoo. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Resident Ruth Sheard, 91, a lifelong bird enthusiast, was especially thrilled by the visit to the penguin enclosure. 'They are amazing creatures, seeing them swimming and jumping into the water was very entertaining!' Murrayside resident Derek Reynolds at Edinburgh Zoo The day was extra special for Derek Reynolds, who celebrated his 88th birthday on the outing. Known among friends for his fondness for meerkats, the group took a special detour to that particular enclosure just for him. 'It was just a brilliant day, we did and saw so much. Thank you to the team for making it so special.' As part of the visit, residents also took part in an enrichment activity for the drill monkeys, decorating colourful boxes and filling them with treats. They then watched as zookeepers placed the boxes around the enclosure and the curious primates ventured out to explore their new surprises. Suzanne Welsh Home Manager at Murrayside said: 'It was a truly memorable day for all involved. From reconnecting with old memories to exploring new experiences, it was wonderful to see the joy on everyone's faces. It's this kind of outing that brings so much happiness and creates lasting memories for our residents.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The trip to the zoo was part of the care home's ongoing commitment to helping residents live rewarding lives and stay connected to their passions and the wider community. Resident Ruth Sheard with penguins This special outing was made possible through the Wishing Tree initiative, which encourages residents to share their personal ambitions. Whether it's revisiting a past hobby or trying something new like flying a plane or enjoying a classic fish and chip supper, every wish is embraced – no matter how big or small. Murrayside care home, which provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, has been specially designed to support residents in living active and fulfilling lives, while also promoting independence. It incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies, and has its own cinema, hair and beauty salon, café and namaste rooms. To find out more about Murrayside, please contact Customer Relations Manager Cliona Robertson on 0131 516 2487 or email For more general information, visit
Glasgow Times
14-05-2025
- Glasgow Times
Care home resident, 97, ‘arrested' in birthday surprise
Maggie Clarke, a former children's nurse and resident of Elizabeth Lodge in Enfield, London, had joked with staff that she had always wondered what it would be like to be arrested. To mark Ms Clarke's birthday, the care home team got in touch with local Metropolitan Police officers who volunteered to take part in the surprise. Maggie Clarke had joked that she had always wondered what it would be like to be arrested (Care UK/PA) On the morning of her birthday, officers from Wood Green Police Station arrived at Elizabeth Lodge with a set of handcuffs and a spoof arrest warrant. Ms Clarke gleefully put her hands together and smiled for the cameras as Pc Benjamin Flint 'arrested' her. She was charged on the grounds of consistent speeding in her wheelchair. 'I have been too good for far too long, I think. It was definitely on my bucket list to be arrested by a handsome policeman,' said Ms Clarke. 'My list is complete, I loved it!' Following her brief 'arrest', Ms Clarke was treated to a birthday cake and a party, where she shared stories of her younger years and entertained guests with lively anecdotes. The Metropolitan Police said they were 'honoured' to take part in Ms Clarke's birthday celebrations. Sergeant Eren Emin, from Oakwood Ward neighbourhood police team, said: 'We attended the care home with a birthday card signed by the teams across Enfield and some token gifts for Maggie, as well as making sure she was duly arrested for consistently speeding in her wheelchair. 'We were honoured to celebrate Maggie's birthday with her and hope we made her day. 'I'm proud of the efforts of my teams, who will always do their best to support our elderly residents wherever possible.' Maggie Clarke said it was on her 'bucket list' to be arrested (Care UK/PA) The stunt formed part of Elizabeth Lodge's Wishing Tree initiative, which encourages residents to put wishes forward, allowing them to reconnect with a past hobby or try something completely new – from flying on a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper. Michelle Sampang, home manager at Elizabeth Lodge, said: 'Maggie has always had a lot of fun, but this was something else. She's really full of surprises! 'When we learned of Maggie's wish to be arrested, we were delighted to help make it happen. Care UK's Wishing Tree initiative is a wonderful way for residents to share their passions and it's hugely rewarding to be able to make these wishes a reality – even if it means a run-in with the local police! 'It was really a great community effort, and it made Maggie's day that much more memorable for her and her family. 'I'd like to thank the Metropolitan Police for being wonderful sports and helping to fulfil Maggie's hilarious fantasy.'
Western Telegraph
14-05-2025
- Western Telegraph
Care home resident, 97, ‘arrested' in birthday surprise
Maggie Clarke, a former children's nurse and resident of Elizabeth Lodge in Enfield, London, had joked with staff that she had always wondered what it would be like to be arrested. To mark Ms Clarke's birthday, the care home team got in touch with local Metropolitan Police officers who volunteered to take part in the surprise. Maggie Clarke had joked that she had always wondered what it would be like to be arrested (Care UK/PA) On the morning of her birthday, officers from Wood Green Police Station arrived at Elizabeth Lodge with a set of handcuffs and a spoof arrest warrant. Ms Clarke gleefully put her hands together and smiled for the cameras as Pc Benjamin Flint 'arrested' her. She was charged on the grounds of consistent speeding in her wheelchair. 'I have been too good for far too long, I think. It was definitely on my bucket list to be arrested by a handsome policeman,' said Ms Clarke. 'My list is complete, I loved it!' Following her brief 'arrest', Ms Clarke was treated to a birthday cake and a party, where she shared stories of her younger years and entertained guests with lively anecdotes. The Metropolitan Police said they were 'honoured' to take part in Ms Clarke's birthday celebrations. Sergeant Eren Emin, from Oakwood Ward neighbourhood police team, said: 'We attended the care home with a birthday card signed by the teams across Enfield and some token gifts for Maggie, as well as making sure she was duly arrested for consistently speeding in her wheelchair. 'We were honoured to celebrate Maggie's birthday with her and hope we made her day. 'I'm proud of the efforts of my teams, who will always do their best to support our elderly residents wherever possible.' Maggie Clarke said it was on her 'bucket list' to be arrested (Care UK/PA) The stunt formed part of Elizabeth Lodge's Wishing Tree initiative, which encourages residents to put wishes forward, allowing them to reconnect with a past hobby or try something completely new – from flying on a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper. Michelle Sampang, home manager at Elizabeth Lodge, said: 'Maggie has always had a lot of fun, but this was something else. She's really full of surprises! 'When we learned of Maggie's wish to be arrested, we were delighted to help make it happen. Care UK's Wishing Tree initiative is a wonderful way for residents to share their passions and it's hugely rewarding to be able to make these wishes a reality – even if it means a run-in with the local police! 'It was really a great community effort, and it made Maggie's day that much more memorable for her and her family. 'I'd like to thank the Metropolitan Police for being wonderful sports and helping to fulfil Maggie's hilarious fantasy.'
South Wales Guardian
14-05-2025
- South Wales Guardian
Care home resident, 97, ‘arrested' in birthday surprise
Maggie Clarke, a former children's nurse and resident of Elizabeth Lodge in Enfield, London, had joked with staff that she had always wondered what it would be like to be arrested. To mark Ms Clarke's birthday, the care home team got in touch with local Metropolitan Police officers who volunteered to take part in the surprise. On the morning of her birthday, officers from Wood Green Police Station arrived at Elizabeth Lodge with a set of handcuffs and a spoof arrest warrant. Ms Clarke gleefully put her hands together and smiled for the cameras as Pc Benjamin Flint 'arrested' her. She was charged on the grounds of consistent speeding in her wheelchair. 'I have been too good for far too long, I think. It was definitely on my bucket list to be arrested by a handsome policeman,' said Ms Clarke. 'My list is complete, I loved it!' Following her brief 'arrest', Ms Clarke was treated to a birthday cake and a party, where she shared stories of her younger years and entertained guests with lively anecdotes. The Metropolitan Police said they were 'honoured' to take part in Ms Clarke's birthday celebrations. Sergeant Eren Emin, from Oakwood Ward neighbourhood police team, said: 'We attended the care home with a birthday card signed by the teams across Enfield and some token gifts for Maggie, as well as making sure she was duly arrested for consistently speeding in her wheelchair. 'We were honoured to celebrate Maggie's birthday with her and hope we made her day. 'I'm proud of the efforts of my teams, who will always do their best to support our elderly residents wherever possible.' The stunt formed part of Elizabeth Lodge's Wishing Tree initiative, which encourages residents to put wishes forward, allowing them to reconnect with a past hobby or try something completely new – from flying on a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper. Michelle Sampang, home manager at Elizabeth Lodge, said: 'Maggie has always had a lot of fun, but this was something else. She's really full of surprises! 'When we learned of Maggie's wish to be arrested, we were delighted to help make it happen. Care UK's Wishing Tree initiative is a wonderful way for residents to share their passions and it's hugely rewarding to be able to make these wishes a reality – even if it means a run-in with the local police! 'It was really a great community effort, and it made Maggie's day that much more memorable for her and her family. 'I'd like to thank the Metropolitan Police for being wonderful sports and helping to fulfil Maggie's hilarious fantasy.'
Rhyl Journal
14-05-2025
- Rhyl Journal
Care home resident, 97, ‘arrested' in birthday surprise
Maggie Clarke, a former children's nurse and resident of Elizabeth Lodge in Enfield, London, had joked with staff that she had always wondered what it would be like to be arrested. To mark Ms Clarke's birthday, the care home team got in touch with local Metropolitan Police officers who volunteered to take part in the surprise. On the morning of her birthday, officers from Wood Green Police Station arrived at Elizabeth Lodge with a set of handcuffs and a spoof arrest warrant. Ms Clarke gleefully put her hands together and smiled for the cameras as Pc Benjamin Flint 'arrested' her. She was charged on the grounds of consistent speeding in her wheelchair. 'I have been too good for far too long, I think. It was definitely on my bucket list to be arrested by a handsome policeman,' said Ms Clarke. 'My list is complete, I loved it!' Following her brief 'arrest', Ms Clarke was treated to a birthday cake and a party, where she shared stories of her younger years and entertained guests with lively anecdotes. The Metropolitan Police said they were 'honoured' to take part in Ms Clarke's birthday celebrations. Sergeant Eren Emin, from Oakwood Ward neighbourhood police team, said: 'We attended the care home with a birthday card signed by the teams across Enfield and some token gifts for Maggie, as well as making sure she was duly arrested for consistently speeding in her wheelchair. 'We were honoured to celebrate Maggie's birthday with her and hope we made her day. 'I'm proud of the efforts of my teams, who will always do their best to support our elderly residents wherever possible.' The stunt formed part of Elizabeth Lodge's Wishing Tree initiative, which encourages residents to put wishes forward, allowing them to reconnect with a past hobby or try something completely new – from flying on a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper. Michelle Sampang, home manager at Elizabeth Lodge, said: 'Maggie has always had a lot of fun, but this was something else. She's really full of surprises! 'When we learned of Maggie's wish to be arrested, we were delighted to help make it happen. Care UK's Wishing Tree initiative is a wonderful way for residents to share their passions and it's hugely rewarding to be able to make these wishes a reality – even if it means a run-in with the local police! 'It was really a great community effort, and it made Maggie's day that much more memorable for her and her family. 'I'd like to thank the Metropolitan Police for being wonderful sports and helping to fulfil Maggie's hilarious fantasy.'
