To celebrate this year’s National Trivia Day, residents at Bernard Sunley, the Woking-based residential, nursing and dementia care home run by charity, Friends of the Elderly, have been sharing stories from their pasts and talking about some of their incredible life experiences to surprise the care team – and each other – with astonishing facts about themselves that nobody knew.
“As a fun activity for this year’s National Trivia day and to put more smiles on everyone’s faces, we thought it would be an enjoyable activity to find out a little bit of trivia about the residents,” said Andy Cumper, the Registered Manager at Bernard Sunley. “The care team each resident very well through their strong relationships and daily interactions, but to find out a little bit more, during one of our regular reminiscing sessions, we chatted about their pasts and found out some fabulous, fun facts about each other – and a few of the care team joined in as well.”
David Lazenby, who has been a resident at Bernard Sunley for eight months, held many senior business positions throughout his career and was also given and awarded the honour of becoming a Commander of the British Empire (CBE).
“To be awarded my CBE was a great honour,” said David. “To receive my CBE was so special. To be was nominated and recognised as having made a distinguished and innovative contribution to society was out of this world. It really is one of greatest life achievements.”
Valerie King, who made Bernard Sunley her home in July 2024, used to work at the BBC. “I loved working for the ‘BEEB’,” said Valerie. “I was fortunate enough to meet quite a few famous people there over the years, and met Britain’s wartime Forces’ Sweetheart, Vera Lynn on a several occasions. She was a nice lady who was lovely to all the Producers. She was also a friend of the charity’s former Royal Patron, the Late Queen Elizabeth II. They had a friendship which spanned decades.”
Resident, Vivian Best, moved to Bernard Sunley in November 2022 played in a band when he was young. “I was born in Worthing, West Sussex and lived there until I was 16-years-old,” said Vivian. “From the age of nine-years-old until I was 14, I played the trumpet in The St. John’s Ambulance Band. My Dad was in the band, and I loved, and still love music – so I joined too.”
Geoffrey Harrold, who has been a resident at Bernard Sunley since 2022, also has a musical background. “As a young boy, I sang in my church choir – and if I do say so myself, I was one of the best singers in the group,” said Geoffrey. “Singing is still one of my favourite hobbies today and I’ll sing at every chance I get. You can hear me belting out Frank Sinatra songs, Elvis Presley classics and church hymns at our regular services and, of course, carols at Christmas. I also love joining in with the regular performers who entertain us at the care home too.”
The care team also shared some of their unknown stories as well. Health Care Assistant, Susan Casey, has worked at Bernard Sunley for 22 years. “I love nature and I’m a keen Ornithologist – or Twitcher – I just adore bird watching. I often bird watch at Guildford Cemetery, when I go to visit my Mum’s grave. It’s so peaceful and I always, literally always, hear a Robin singing when I’m there. I love to think that it’s actually my Mum singing for me, just like the old saying, ‘When a Robin appears, loved ones are near’,” said Susan.
Bernard Sunley’s Office Manager, Amy Wilebore, began attending her local church, All Saints’ Church in New Haw two years ago. “After the sad passing of my Grandad, I was inspired to start going to church,” said Amy. “I was also Christened at the church and now regularly attend services.”
“Each resident and member of the Bernard Sunley care team have rich and interesting pasts and amazing stories to tell,” added Andy. “Reminiscing together, talking and sharing different experiences, tales and anecdotes was a delightful activity for everyone to share and take part in.”
