At Friends Place, our Reading-based new state-of-the-art residential care home, Sadie Clark has had a wonderful day celebrating her 89th birthday surrounded by her family, care home friends, balloons, cards, gifts and the care home team.
Sadie was the first resident to move into Friends Place in August this year. “I decided Friends Place was the ideal home for me to call ‘my home’ as it’s so nice and the care team are so kind,” said Sadie. “It was the perfect decision as I’m so very happy living here.”
Reading born and bred Sadie attended the town’s historic Battle School which, during World War I was used as a temporary hospital for wounded soldiers. “The school’s location is in an area named after Battle Abbey which was founded by William the Conqueror in 1071 to commemorate his victory at The Battle of Hastings,” added Sadie.
Sadie has fond memories of her school years, where her favourite lesson was Arithmetic and she enjoyed playing ball and skipping with her childhood friends. “When I left school I became a Housekeeper, a job that I thoroughly enjoyed,” continued Sadie.
Sadie married her first Husband, Maurice in 1952 at Christ Church in Reading. “It is a beautiful church,” continued Sadie. “It’s a Grade II Listed Building of Historical and Architectural Interest which was designed by Henry Woodyer, the renowned Architect, who also designed Clewer Abbey in Windsor.” The happy couple became parents to Lesley, Carl and Andrew and over the years had many pets – Tiddy the cat and dogs Pippy, Cassie, Bailey and Jack. Sadly, Maurice passed away but in 1988, Sadie found happiness again and married Robert ‘Bob’ at Thatham Baptist Church.
Sadie’s favourite hobby is knitting, a hobby that she still enjoys at Friends Place and she’s partial to watching the odd game of tennis. “I don’t play, but every summer I do like watching Wimbledon – with strawberries and cream of course,” added Sadie.
However, Sadie’s birthday celebrations didn’t stop there. “Sadie loves to dance,” added Elisha. “So we ‘cranked up the tunes’ and had a dance party in one of our spacious and comfortable lounges. Sadie loved it and made sure she ‘cut a rug’ with her care home friends and the care team – with a special dance saved for Alina.”
To round off Sadie’s landmark 89th birthday, the care team presented her with a delicious and beautifully decorated birthday cake. “Elisha didn’t want to disappoint Sadie, so thoughtfully got a beautiful and stunning cake for the Birthday Girl to enjoy with all her family and care home friends,” said Alina.
“I had the most marvellous 89th Birthday,” said Sadie. “Everyone at Friends Place made such an effort and I was so spoilt and so grateful, it was a wonderful day. My 89th birthday was great, I wonder what they’ll do for my 90th birthday next year? Whatever it is, I know it will be fantastic,” concluded Sadie.
Find out more about Friends Place by calling 0118 207 8512 or emailing Friendsplace@fote.org.uk .