BIRTHDAY festivities have filled the halls of a new care home.
89-year-old Sadie Clark enjoyed her big day surrounded by family, balloons and cake, in her new home at Friends Place.
“I had the most marvellous 89th birthday,” she said.
“Everyone at Friends Place made such an effort and I was so spoilt and so grateful.”
Sadie was the first resident to move into the Reading-based residential care home in August this year.
Born and bred in Reading, Sadie has fond memories of arithmetic, playing ball, and skipping with her friends when she attended Battle School as a child.
The Reading school got its name from Battle Abbey, founded by William the Conqueror, to commemorate his famous victory at Hastings.
After leaving school Sadie went on to become a housekeeper, and married her first husband, Maurice, at Christ Church in Reading – “a beautiful church,” she said.
The happy couple had three children and lots of pets.
After Maurice died, Sadie found happiness again with her second husband Robert ‘Bob’.
Today, Sadie likes to knit and to watch the tennis on TV – “with strawberries and cream, of course,” she said.
Sadie also loves to dance, so on her birthday the care team ‘cranked up the tunes’ and held a dance party for her in the home’s lounge.
Her birthday fell on Friends Place’s first open weekend.
“We had lots of activities and visitors over the open weekend, which all added to the birthday girl’s celebrations,” said Friends Place’s Alina.
Residents and open weekend guests alike were able to enjoy a range of refreshments, and entertainment from singer and performer Victor Burbridge.
On her big day Sadie also indulged in a relaxing mini head and shoulder massage thanks to visiting masseur, Dalia Feltham.
“I wonder what they’ll do for my 90th birthday next year,” said Sadie.
“Whatever it is, I know it will be fantastic.”
Friends Place, which is in Calcot, just outside Reading, opened in July this year.
Specialising in residential, dementia, and respite care, the home is run by the Friends of the Elderly charity, which manages care homes and day care across the South of England.
Friends of the Elderly this year celebrates its own 120th birthday.
For more information, visit: fote.org.uk/care-homes/friends-place-reading
