To have a bit of a giggle for this year’s National Trivia Day, members of the care team at Orford House, our Coulsdon-based residential care home, have been delving into their pasts and sharing some their interesting and amazing life experiences to surprise the residents and each other with entertaining facts about themselves that nobody knew.
“I once went on a first date with an absolute rock legend,” said Michelle Kennett, the Registered Manager at Orford House. “I went out with the American singer and actor, Michael Aday who was actually born Marvin Aday but better known as the one and only Meatloaf. We went to The Renaissance Night Club in Tower Hamlets and had a lovely time, he was great fun and a genuinely nice chap. He is famous, of course, for singing songs such as ‘Bat Out Of Hell’ and ‘I’d Do Anything For Love’ but, sadly, he didn’t serenade me on our date.
Stacey Lervy, the care home’s Deputy Manager, is the proud owner of an iconic item. “I actually have a Blue Peter Badge,” said Stacey. “Back in 1996, I attended Hamsey Green School in Warlingham and was a member of the school’s choir. We were invited to the BBC TV studios in London to be part of the programme’s Christmas Choir, which was very exciting, but also nerve-racking as it was broadcast live. I met the Presenter, Konnie Huq, who was lovely but best of all we were all given our very own Blue Peter badges, and I still have mine today.”
Mary Bradley, Orford House’s Activities Coordinator, has both a musical and royal tale to tell. “I actually met and chatted with the late Diana, Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales, when I attended the memorial service for the victims of the 1989 Marchioness riverboat disaster at Southwark Cathedral. “I also entered a karaoke competition and won the first prize of a free trip for two to New York City,” added Mary. “I was in The Corner Pin Pub, opposite Wimbledon Stadium and thought I’d give the competition a go. I Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 hit, ‘Dreams’ and couldn’t believe it when I won the trip to The Big Apple.”
Pauline Lodowica, who is one of the Health Care Assistants at Orford House, lived in Bull Bay, the same village in Jamaica as Bob Marley, for nine years. “I never saw or met Mr Marley, but my eldest son went to school with is son, Ziggy Marley, and they played football together,” said Pauline.
Orford House’s Hairdresser, Pauline Hodder, used to ride horses, but not with a saddle – bare backed. “I love horses and when I was younger, I was lucky enough to be allowed to ride the Rag n’ Bone horses bareback around the owner’s yard in Hammersmith. “It’s probably the world’s most famous Rag n’ Bone yard as it is where the BBC filmed the classic comedy show Steptoe and Son starring the late Wilfrid Brambell and Harry H. Corbett who had their business on the fictional 26a Oil Drum Lane in Shepherd’s Bush.”
“Each member of the Orford House care team has an interesting background and amazing stories to share with the residents and each other,” added Michelle. “However, they all have one thing in common and that is their dedication and commitment to the residents, ensuring that each one is happy, safe, comfortable, motivated and engaged. “I couldn’t ask for a more devoted, caring and wonderful team. They give 110% every day and always deliver high quality, bespoke care which is tailored to meet each residents’ individual needs,” concluded Michelle.
Find out more about Orford House care home by calling 020 8660 2875 or emailing [email protected].