RESIDENT AND FAMILY ASTOUNDED BY EDINBURGH FIRE BRIGADE HISTORIC GIFT

Queens Manor Care Home Resident Betty Roy and her son Ivor were completely astounded to discover that a Christmas Gift sourced by Key Worker Clarissa is actually a family heirloom!

Clarissa was looking for a unique and meaningful gift for Betty’s Christmas and whilst browsing online happened across ‘Aye Ready, The History of Edinburgh Fire Brigade, The Oldest Municipal Brigade in Britain’ (by Alexander Reid). Initially she wondered about gifting a ‘second hand’ item but decided it would be perfectly appropriate for Betty as she often spoke of her Father, Robert Thomas Wyllie, whose photo she proudly displays in her room. Robert was Assistant Fire Officer at Edinburgh’s Laurieston Fire Station during the 1930’s.

Betty was showing the book to son Ivor, who was amazed to discover that the book now in Betty’s possession is in fact his own copy, which had belonged to his father. Ivor had inadvertently donated the book along with other items to charity, many miles from Queens Manor and Edinburgh Fire Brigade. Clarissa found it online by chance and now it’s found it’s way home to Betty and Ivor – a chance in a million surely!

Ivor explained to General Manager, Margaret-Ann Davidson, ‘I couldn’t believe it when Betty told me she had a copy of the book. When she showed it to me, I realised it was the original copy given to me from my grandfather’s things, because inside it contained an original letter with coupons which he had never cashed in – I recognise the piece of paper and the edges where it had been inserted in to the book all those years ago! I didn’t even realise until today that the book was no longer in my house!

Margaret-Ann said. ‘This is a fantastic example of a person-centred gift, made even more special by the provenance. There must have been many copies of the book, and for the family copy to find its’ way back to Betty and Ivor is incredible! We’re very lucky to share in this story – all of our residents have lived interesting lives and we love to hear all about it. This is a truly extraordinary coincidence and I’m sure it will be shared at many a family dinner table for years to come!’.

Queens Manor is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Queens Manor provides residential care, dementia and respite care

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