Fate reunites Leicestershire care home resident with hand-made possession from 1943

Care home resident at Graysford Hall in Stoneygate, was reunited with a possession from the past by a twist of fate.

100-year-old resident, Harold, created a hand-made wooden case in 1943, which was lost many years ago.

By a stroke of luck, night carer, Claire Pallet, located the wooden case in a charity shop which she purchased for 9 pounds; inside it was signed and dated by the maker of the home’s resident, Harold Neal.

To reunite Harold with his possession 80 years later was a delight to all the residents and team members at Graysford Hall.

In celebration of his reunion with his beloved wooden case, the team at Graysford Hall will be delivering a creative writing competition with two local intergenerational schools in Highfields, where Harold lived.

The schools have been invited by the home to write an imaginative story on the case, and it’s journey over the last 80 years.

Harold personally visited one of the local schools to talk about the origins of the case, and to discuss the competition to over 60 children, who are keen to be involved.

Winning entrants from the schools will receive book tokens to use for the local library. 

Wellbeing Leads at Graysford Hall, Jayne and Sarah, said: “Harold has a strong occupational need to inspire create and to reflect on his past.

The schools in Highfields area are part of that past, and by encouraging them to take part in the competition fulfils this need to feel part of something creative and inspiring within the community.”

For more information on Graysford Hall care home, visit: https://sandersseniorliving.co.uk/the-collection-at-sanders-senior-living/graysford-hall-care-home-leicester/