At Orford House, our Coulsdon-based residential care home, resident Adrienne Lawrance has had a melodious day celebrating her 91st Birthday with her older sister Marguerite, her care home friends and the care team.
Adrienne and her sister have been residents at Orford House for nearly three years, moving in together in May 2021. The sisters have an indestructible connection and have been inseparable since they were children – they even share a beautiful bedroom and lounge at the care home.
Adrienne – and Marguerite – grew up in a three bedroomed house in Sutton, Surrey – with their parents George and Mabel. “I have such wonderful memories of my childhood,” said Adrienne. “Our father was an exceptional pianist. As a family, we had such great times, standing around the piano singing together. I think that must be where my love of music, singing and acting started. Even now, I love the sing-along afternoons we have at Orford House – and when the visiting performers come along, I’m always in the front row.”
Adrienne – who is named after her Father’s cousin – attended Sutton’s Ridge Road School, now known as Brookfield Primary Academy. Adrienne thoroughly enjoyed her school years and it’s no surprise that her favourite classes were music and singing. “I was a member of the School Choir and thoroughly loved performing,” added Adrienne. In fact, Adrienne’s love of the performing arts continued into her adult life as both she and Marguerite became members of an amateur dramatic society, performing in many shows.
In addition to ‘treading the boards’, Adrienne is well travelled. “I worked as a Secretary for a private insurance company in The City of London and, looking back, I wish I’d changed careers and not worked in an office. I was always thinking of my next holiday and where I could visit next.
“The trips that stand out for me are Spain, Austria and Greece. I especially adored Athens as the city is steeped in history and the ancient ruins are something to behold. The Acropolis, on top of The Sacred Rock is amazing. It’s supposed to radiate power and protection for its citizens – and the famous is the Parthenon Temple which is dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena was also breathtaking. I’d definitely tell the younger generation to travel as much as possible and experience all that they can,” continued Adrienne.
Michelle Kennett, the Registered Manager at Orford House said: “Adrienne is so artistic and musical, it’s a joy to watch her when she’s playing the piano. Adrienne is always taking part in our wide range of engaging activities, but when we have visiting performers – either singers, groups or theatre productions, she’s in her element. You’ll always hear her singing along, cheering and clapping; she really gets involved.”
For her special birthday, the Orford House care team put on a musically themed party for the Birthday Girl, complete with a delicious birthday cake, gifts, cards and balloons – and, of course – everything accompanied by harmonious show tunes.
“We wanted to make sure Adrienne had a spectacular birthday, surrounded by her sister and all her care home friends. Adrienne is such a wonderful lady, we wanted to show her how much she means to everyone here at Orford House,” added Michelle.
“I had a truly marvellous birthday. Celebrating with Marguerite, my care home friends and the lovely care team, it’s been a fantastic day. I was asked who I would love to invite to my birthday party – dead or alive. I’d have to say Bette Davis. She was an amazing actress, winning two Oscars and appearing in over 100 films. ‘Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?’, ‘All About Eve’ and ‘Death on The Nile’ – there are so many. I definitely think she’d be great company and have so many stories about Hollywood in its heyday – and probably a few cheeky secrets to share too,” Adrienne concluded.
Find out more about Orford House care home by calling 03305 550 378 or emailing enquiries@fote.org.uk.