In addition to the traditional New Year’s Eve celebrations, the care team at Orford House, our Coulsdon-based residential care home, put on a special Pamper Spa Day and delicious afternoon tea party to celebrate resident, Iris Flint’s, 88th Birthday. Iris, who made Orford House her home on 20th December 2022, was born on New Year’s Eve 1937, and grew up in Addiscombe, a residential area located in the London Borough of Croydon. “I loved growing up in Addiscombe,” said Iris. “It’s a fascinating place, full of history. It’s home to Addiscombe Place which was designed by the famous architect, Sir John Wanbrugh who also designed Castle Howard and Blenheim Palace – and it’s said that George III visited and that Peter the Great of Russia planted a Cedar Tree to mark his visit too.”
Iris attended Woodside Primary School in Addiscombe which has a long history dating back to the late 19th and early 20th Century, before getting a Scholarship to go to Coloma Convent Girls’ School. “Coloma is steeped in history too,” continued Iris. “It was opened on 2nd August in 1869 by three Sisters of the Congregation of the Daughters of Mary and Joseph.” At school, Iris loved mathematics and language classes. “My favourites lessons were German, French and Latin,” added Iris. “I especially liked Latin. Even though it’s considered to be a ‘Dead Language’ now, it has connections to Italian, French and Spanish and is still a fundamental part of science and religion – and even law.” After leaving school, Iris became a Typist for London Transport at its Head Office in Westminster. “I thoroughly enjoyed my job,” continued Iris. “It was a wonderful company to work for, and I made many life-long friends there.” Iris was also rather sporty and still likes to keep fit today. “I liked playing Netball, doing Gymnastics and I adored Ice Skating,” said Iris.
“I used to go to The Imperial Ice Rink in Purley. It opened back in 1931 and closed in 1950 when it became The Orchid Ballroom, which is actually where I met my Husband, Peter. “We loved to go dancing at The Orchid, it really was the place to go and be seen – and even the very popular Come Dancing TV programme was broadcast from there in the early 1960s.” “Within a year of courting, we got married,” continued Iris. “We had a beautiful wedding at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Addiscombe on a wonderful June day.” The happy couple then became parents to their Son, David and Daughter, Marian – and Iris is now a very proud Grandmother to two lovely Grandchildren.
Iris is also a staunch Crystal Palace Football Club supporter. “All my family supported – and still do support – The Eagles,” added Iris. “Interestingly, the Club’s nickname ‘The Eagles’ was adopted in the 1970s. Before that, the Team was known as ‘The Glaziers’ which is a nod to the famous Victorian glass Crystal Palace building.” “Iris is a delightful lady and a much-loved member of the Orford House family,” said Michelle Kennett, the Registered Manager at the care home. “She has a lovely smile and enjoys interacting with the other residents and the care team and taking part our wide range of meaningful activities.” “I love meeting new and different people and really enjoy good conversations,” continued Iris. “The activities at Orford House are great – there’s so much choice, I’m never bored. “I still like to keep fit and never miss the Exercise to Music classes and also enjoy the Colour Therapy and painting sessions and all of the quizzes, they are always fantastic fun.”
“We wanted to make Iris’s New Year’s Eve birthday extra special – just like her,” continued Michelle. “We arranged a relaxing wellbeing Pamper Day and Sensory Room Experience for the Birthday Girl, followed by a scrumptious tea party with all her care home friends, complete with a delicious Birthday Cake, cards, gifts and balloons.”
“I had an absolutely brilliant 88th Birthday, I had such a great day, it was lovely. I had a facial, manicure and a really relaxing aromatherapy massage – it was such a treat and a gorgeous birthday tea party. I’m so, so happy living here at Orford House, I’m so lucky to have such wonderful friends here and such a caring team who look after all of us so well, nothing is ever too much trouble, I really couldn’t ask for more,” concluded Iris.
Find out more about Orford House care home by calling 020 8660 2875 or emailing [email protected].