At Friends Place, the new state-of-the-art residential care home run by charity Friends of the Elderly, in Calcot, Reading, the care team pulled out all the stops and made sure that resident, Mary Parsons, had a wonderful time celebrating her 97th birthday at the care home with her family and care home friends.
Mary moved into Friends Place on 15th September. Mary said:
“I decided to make Friends Place my home as everything seemed just right for my needs. There’s so much going on, the activities and community events are so varied, I don’t have a favourite. I enjoy everything, but I do still love to dance, and the Chef makes the most delicious Chilli. I’m most definitely so happy living here.”
Mary was born and grew up in Theale, Reading, not far from the care home. Mary added:
“I went to school in Theale and have to say that English was my favourite lesson,” continued Mary. “It stood me in good stead as I became a Secretary, a job which I thoroughly enjoy for all my working career.”
Mary married her first Husband, Frank, in 1947 and Herbert, her second Husband in 1973, and is a proud Mother, Grandmother and great-grandmother – and also a devoted supporter of Reading Football Club.
Mary continued:
“I support The Royals, I always have done. When I was young, the football club was known as The Biscuitmen, a nickname which came from the local Huntley and Palmers biscuit factory in Reading, but it was changed to The Royals after the Royal County of Berkshire after the factory closed.”
Mary is exceptionally well-travelled, having visited 259 different places. Mary added:
“I don’t have a favourite place or holiday destination, I’ve liked everywhere I’ve been fortunate enough to visit.”
Keeping active, fit and healthy is something Mary believes in. Mary continued:
“At school, I played a lot of Netball and have always loved to dance, which is something I still do at Friends Place. The large, open lounge areas are perfect for our regular boogies and ‘cutting a rug’. I truly believe that the secret of my long, happy and fulfilled life is regular exercise, eating healthily and helping others.”
Mary is also an avid and extremely good knitter.
She said:
“My doctor once said to me that my knitting was so good, I should open my own knitting business – he really thought I was that good. I find knitting very relaxing and it does help with the dexterity in my hands as well. Perhaps I’ll knit some Christmas presents for the care team this year.”
Alina Gutu, the General Manager, said:
“Mary is a wonderful lady. She’s so kind, always smiling, chatting with her care home friends, nattering with the care team and taking part in all of the activities we have going on at Friends Place – but dancing is definitely, without a doubt, her favourite.
“Knowing her love of music and dancing, we arranged a special afternoon birthday party for Mary to enjoy with her family and care home friends, complete with a tasty birthday cake and, of course, music playing so everyone could have a dance.”
Elisha Hall-Jones, the Activities Coordinator at Friends Place, said:
“Mary is an absolute delight. She gets on with absolutely everyone, is always smiling and a pleasure to be around.”
Mary concluded:
“I had a wonderful 97th birthday. I was treated like a princess by everyone at Friends Place. It was such a great day, spending time with my family and friends, it was absolutely perfect. I wonder what they’ll do for me next year? It will be hard to top.”
