At Orford House, the residential care home in Coulsdon, Surrey managed by Charity Friends of the Elderly, which is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year, to celebrate National Best Friends Day 2025, residents Judy Hyde and Gloria Cheeseman have been talking about their deep friendship and close bond that has developed since they both became full-time residents at the care home.
76-year-old Judy, who has been a resident at Orford House since June 2023, made the decision to move to the care home as it is near to where her daughter lives. Judy said: “It’s such a pretty house; I thought it would be perfect for me.” Gloria, who also moved to Orford House in June 2023 added: “I liked the feel of the care home and all the carers are so friendly.”
Gloria grew up in Northern Ireland and moved to England when she married her Husband. “We met when we were both out one night in a big group of friends. When we were courting, we used to go for chips and beers, those were the days.” The happy couple became parents to two sons, Peter and Clifford and Judy married her childhood sweetheart, but got divorced after the birth of her son, James and daughter, Louise.
Both Gloria and Judy have fond memories of their childhoods and both enjoyed going to school. “I always enjoyed the art classes as I loved to draw and paint,” said Gloria. “I liked the Home Economics lessons, but I remember my Dad saying he didn’t like my cooking,” added a laughing Judy.
When Judy was a young girl, she used to love visiting her Granny. “She’d always give me some sweets and a tuppence to go to the cinema,” continued Judy. “Growing up in Northern Ireland and coming from a big family, I remember having great times outside playing in the rolling fields,” added Gloria.
When Gloria was 14-years-old she started work at a Dressmaker, a career she held for many years. Judy, who lived in Aldershot, became a Housewife, raising her two children.
For this year’s National Best Friends Day, Judy and Gloria reflected on their friendship. “Gloria has so many good qualities,” said Judy. “She’s beautiful, inside and out, and such a good person.” Gloria added: “Judy is just so nice and we like so many of the same things, we are like two peas in a pod.”
Always joking and laughing together, Judy says that if Gloria was the eighth dwarf, she’d be ‘Happy Go Lucky’ as she’s such a positive lady, whilst Gloria says that Judy would be called ‘Giggler’ as such laughs so much.
“Judy and Gloria are thick as thieves,” said Michelle Kennett, the Registered Manager at Orford House. “You will always find them, sitting together chatting away, they are quite inseparable, laughing at the little things and holding hands.”
“Gloria and Judy have lived at Orford House for nearly two years and as soon as Gloria moved in, they formed an attachment. They care for each other and make sure each other is OK. They love to join in with our visiting entertainers and thoroughly enjoy the sing-alongs,” continued Mary Bradley, the Activities Coordinator at Orford House.
“Judy is very protective of Gloria as she uses a frame and will constantly check that she is using it correctly and is safe from falling and when they are taking part in an arts and crafts session, they are very complimentary of each other’s creations, it’s beautiful to see such a caring and loving friendship.”
“We are both so happy living together at Orford House,” continued Judy. “There are so many people to chat to and things to do, we’re never bored.” The friends are always on hand to support each other and cheer each other up if one of them is feeling a bit down. “We tell each other everything,” added Gloria. “If Judy needs cheering up we’ll have some chocolate and a giggle and I’ll give her a cuddle to feel better.”
“We are alike in so many ways,” continued Judy. “We don’t take things too seriously and make sure we have lots of laughs. That must be why we are so happy living here at Orford House.”