103-year-old Ruby Morris' dream trip to Weymouth brings back fond memories

103-year old Ruby Morris, resident of Cheriton Care Home, Dorchester, had one simple wish to visit Weymouth beach. She wanted only to relive the simple pleasures that were so important to her throughout her life: sitting on the beach with an ice cream, smelling the sea air, and reminiscing of times gone by.

Fortunately, Care Assistant Sharon Best and Activities Co-ordinator Jo Casemore at Cheriton were keen to make Ruby’s wish come true.

The day began with the short train journey from Dorchester to Weymouth, which was of particular resonance to Ruby as for many years she worked for Great Western Railways – a job that she still holds great fondness for. 

Once the trio had arrived at Weymouth the first stop was to Rossi’s Ices on the esplanade, there Ruby enjoyed an ice cream on the house, having regaled the owner that she remembered when the business first came to Weymouth in 1937 and even knew his Grandfather.

“It was great to meet Ruby, meeting people is what we are all about”, said Fulvio Figliolini, owner of Rossi's Ice Cream parlour.”

Having enjoyed her time at Rossi’s, Ruby was joined by her family for a stroll along the promenade, where she took a particular interest in the donkeys, mentioning how she used to visit the stables when she was young.

The last stop on their journey was the Old Boot pub on High West street, reputedly the oldest pub in Weymouth and the very place where Ruby was born. No stranger to pubs in the area, Ruby was once the landlady of The Rock!

After such an exhilarating and emotional day, Ruby thanked Jo and Sharon for granting her wish:

“I thoroughly enjoyed my visit, it was a lovely break away. Weymouth is my home, I grew up there, the trip took to me back to my younger years.”

Ruby’s memorable trip had quite the impact for Activities Co-ordinator Jo:

“I was glad to make Ruby’s dream come true – it’s what makes my job so meaningful.”

Cheriton Care Home in Dorchester is run by the independent family-owned care provider Agincare and offers high-quality, affordable residential, respite, reablement and dementia care.

For further information about the care home, head to https://www.agincare.com/care-homes/dorset/cheriton-care-home-dorchester/