Former builder Walter Green, now at Care UK, revisits Beaulieu Estate buildings, reviving cherished memories.
Carpathia Grange staff planned the trip. Walter is 91 and lives there. Walter wanted to see construction work again. He missed it a lot.
Walter grew up in Emery Down nearby. He started a bricklaying apprenticeship then. This happened right after school finished for him.
Walter did National Service in the 1950s. He served in Germany with the RAF. He worked in airfield construction there. Later, he came back home. He became a foreman at Beaulieu church. It needed fixing.
Walter started his favorite job in 1972. This was at Beaulieu Estate again. He tore down buildings to make a path. This path connected the museum and house. The crew called it “the hole in the wall.” He and his team fixed a fountain then too.
They repaired all the old fountain features. The estate had many water features to restore. In 1976, Walter moved to Domas building work. He laid paving slabs down there. He constructed the wall to the abbey ruins. He also did the archway.
Walter retired back in 1998. He reported about his day out. He said his working days were always happy. He enjoyed his work and felt proud.
He continued his thoughts about the trip back. He said Beaulieu brought back memories. He said he would cherish them always. Seeing his work still standing made him proud.
Care UK runs the Wishing Tree initiative. Carpathia Grange uses it too. It helps residents reconnect with their past. They can try new things as well.
Jodie Farr manages Carpathia Grange. She said Walter’s stories captivated them. They were happy to help him relive them.
She explained the Wishing Tree initiative aims to create special moments. It was heartwarming to see how much the trip meant. It fulfilled his wish.