An 82-year-old care home resident in Knebworth was "delighted" to rekindle her favourite hobby after 15 years.

Care UK's Knebworth care home in Woolmer Green learned that one of their residents, Norma Shelby, was keen to dust off her golf clubs and they were determined to make it a reality.

Growing up, Norma’s parents loved travelling all over the world to play golf, sparking Norma’s interest in the sport.

Later in life, the resident and her husband, Ray, started playing more frequently, spending most of their free time at the golf course and it quickly became one of the pair’s favourite pastimes.

Read more:

The care home team arranged for Norma to visit Stevenage Golf and Conference Centre, where she played a par 3 game.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The team at the Knebworth care home were delighted to make Norma's dreams come true.The team at the Knebworth care home were delighted to make Norma's dreams come true. (Image: Care UK)

Norma said: “I had the time of my life. I was delighted to learn I still have the knack of putting the ball."

The visit was part of the home’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, no wish is too big or small.

Vera Moreira-Henocq, manager at the care home in Knebworth, said: “Norma loves to share her memories of playing golf with her husband, and when she told us she was interested in giving the sport another go, the team knew they had to make it happen.

Get more stories like this delivered to your inbox every week by signing up to the Welwyn Hatfield Times In Brief newsletter.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The care home team arranged for Norma to visit Stevenage Golf and Conference Centre, where she played a par 3 game.The care home team arranged for Norma to visit Stevenage Golf and Conference Centre, where she played a par 3 game. (Image: Care UK)

“Our wishing tree initiative is a great way for residents to share their dreams and interests, and it’s so rewarding to be able to make these a reality.

"Norma had a wonderful time putting her skills to the test and seeing if she still had her golf swing – she’s already talking about going back."

The Knebworth care home is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia and short-term respite care.

The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.