At Redcot care home in Haslemere, resident Pamela Hiorns has had a wonderful day celebrating her milestone 90th birthday. The icing on the cake was a one-to-one visit from her daughter, Linda.
Pamela, has been a resident at Redcot since January 2020. Due to an age-related condition, she is immobile and receives 24-hour care in her room at the care home. However, the caring and thoughtful team at Redcot made sure Pamela’s day was as special as possible and that she didn’t miss out on celebrating her birthday. The Team took turns to spend time with Pamela and showered her with cards, gifts, a birthday tea, lots of interactions and most importantly, they facilitated a visit from her daughter, Linda.
Commenting on visiting her Mum, Linda said: “It was wonderful to be able to see Mum on her birthday, and to spend quality time with her, opening handmade cards from her grandchildren and reading all the lovely messages from friends. The Redcot Team helped to make my visit safe for everyone, and all the staff made a real fuss of Mum on her special day. It has been such a difficult time over the past year for all those with elderly relatives. My brother and I have really missed being able to visit and have regular physical contact with Mum. It has been a great comfort during lockdown to know how the Redcot staff have spent time really getting to know Mum and shown her great love, patience, care and kindness.”
Pamela grew up in Farnham and attended Farnham Grammar School. She worked as a shorthand typist at the RAF Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough, Hampshire, which is renowned for aviation research and development. She settled in Shalford, near Guildford, in the sixties with her family and her most cherished memories are those of her two children, her five grandchildren and family life.
Pamela also loved walking and was a member of the Guildford Ramblers Club for many years, travelling widely in Britain and Europe. Linda recalls: “In her retirement Mum was a great walker and used to walk whenever she could. Her favourite daily walk, until well into her eighties, was from her home in Shalford, along the river meadows to Guildford, then past Lewis Carroll’s former house, through the beautiful gardens of Guildford Castle and up to Holy Trinity Church.”
Pamela is also very passionate about music, with classical music being her favourite. For many years she was an active member of Godalming Operatic Society and performed in a number of the much-loved Gilbert and Sullivan operettas. She also sang with the Godalming Choral Society until her late eighties.
Jan Daly, Redcot’s Manager said: “Pam adores music – there’s always lovely symphonies and beautiful orchestral pieces coming out of her room. Last summer, when we were able, Pam came out on to our terrace for an afternoon of music with Billy Clayton. She thoroughly enjoyed it.
“One of our Housekeeping Team, Marson, loves spending time with Pamela, he says she’s very cheeky and reminds him of his own Nan. She’s a wonderful lady with a great character – she’s a much-loved member of the Redcot family and we’re so pleased she had a very happy birthday.”
When asked about her 90 years and what she believed was the secret to a long and happy life, Pamela said: “Doing what you want.” Strangely, will.i.am of the band, Black Eyed Peas, wrote a song called ‘Do What You Want’ and he shares the same birthday – 15th March – as Pamela.
Overlooking beautiful gardens and surrounded by countryside, much of which is owned by the National Trust, Redcot is blessed with a unique, tranquil setting. Find out more by calling 01428 644 637 or emailing enquiries@fote.org.uk.