At Orford House, the Coulsdon-based residential care home run by charity Friends of the Elderly, which is celebrating its 120th Anniversary this year, the care team and residents have been celebrating Judy Hyde’s 76th Birthday, complete with balloons, gifts, cards and a special afternoon tea party.
Judy has been a resident at Orford House since June 2023. “I decided to make Orford House my home as the people are so friendly, kind and lovely and there’s such a wonderfully nice atmosphere,” said Judy.
Judy was born in 1949 in the Surrey Heath village of Mytchett, and as a child attended Frimley Green Primary School. “Growing up in Mytchett was lovely,” continued Judy. “It’s a peaceful and very friendly place and has a real, strong sense of community.”
When she left school, Judy became a Cleaner. “I have always liked to keep as fit as possible. I’m a keen walker and as a cleaner it was a good way to exercise,” added Judy. “I still exercise as much as I can. At Orford House, there’s a wide range of activities to take part in every day, but my favourite has to be the seated exercise classes.”
When Judy married her Husband, the happy couple became parents to a Son, James and Daughter, Louise. Judy has many happy memories of family holidays all over the country. “I went to Spain on holiday with my Mother once, but it was so expensive,” continued Judy.
“The experience put me off of travelling aboard, so after that, we spent our holidays at so many lovely beaches and in the beautiful countryside all over the United Kingdom.”
When Judy was younger, she and her friends loved to go out dancing. “We loved nothing more than to ‘cut-a-rug’ and dance the night away,” added Judy. “We also had so much fun trying out new make-up and hairstyles. We also loved going to the cinema. I love comedy films, as I love to laugh – it’s good for you. My favourite film is On The Buses, it’s hilarious and the film stars were like normal, real people, but were such characters.”
“Judy is a lovely lady, always smiling and chatting to the care team and the other residents,” said Mary Bradley, the Activities Coordinator at Orford House. “One of Judy’s favourite pastimes is to have her nails done in a one-to-one manicure with me, she’ll always pick out a beautiful colour to match her outfits. She also enjoys getting her hair done and our regular pamper and wellness sessions.
“Judy loves all animals and adores our care home rabbit, Rosie. She’ll often look after Rosie whilst I’m cleaning out her hutch, giving her sweet cuddles and carrot titbits.”
Judy is very happy living at Orford House and makes sure she joins in with as many activities as possible. “Judy really enjoys the wide and varied range of daily activities we host,” said Michelle Kennett, the Registered Manager at Orford House. “She especially likes the live entertainment performances from visiting artistes and is always on hand to join in with our many sing-alongs. Judy is also very creative in our Arts and Crafts and Colour Therapy sessions, and adores the Pets As Therapy visits as well.”
Judy is also a bit of a ‘foodie’. “The food at the care home is delicious, I enjoy every meal, but my all time favourite has to be the Chef’s Roast Lamb,” continued Judy. “I was so happy that Chef made me a delicious birthday cake on my special day, which was so kind.”
“Judy is an absolute pleasure to have living with us at Orford House,” continued Michelle. “On her birthday, we wanted to make sure she knew just how much she means to us all, so we arrange for a tasty birthday afternoon tea party in our Alice in Wonderland themed courtyard, which she enjoyed with all her care home friends.”
“I had a wonderful birthday and was totally spoilt by everyone here at Orford House, it made my day so special. I have been asked in the past, what’s the secret to a long and happy life, and I’d have to say to support, care for and love one another, which I certainly get every day here,” concluded Judy.
