RESIDENT BLOG: “Life is what you make of it” – Hear from one Philip House resident who is proud to be older than C&C

22/11/2021

C&C is celebrating 95 years in operation since it first started operations. In that time, hundreds of thousands of residents have lived at C&C properties in the heart of London, creating a rich history across all of our schemes.

Few of our current residents today are actually older than C&C – but one who is still does her own housekeeping at Philip House in Maida Vale. Annie Jones will turn 98 in the New Year, and has spent a significant portion of her life at the House.

“I’m very happy here,” Annie said. “At Philip House I am well looked after and have some fantastic neighbours.”

Annie grew up on the west coast of Ireland, in the countryside close to Galway.

“Life was very poor for us,” Annie explained.

“I had four brothers and four sisters, so we were a big family and very happy. My father worked in the local Post Office for more than 40 years.

“People were so friendly out there. The Second World War didn’t hugely affect us in western Ireland, but it did make food very scarce. I started work when I was just 14, looking after a baby.”

This was a job that Annie held until the end of the war, when she decided to move to England.

“Everyone wanted to come to England at that time if they could, as things were so poor at home,” she added.

“I moved to Tooting in South West London and worked in St George’s Hospital. At the time, it was called the Grove and was a much smaller place!

“I worked at the hospital as a nurse for 40 years, and enjoyed every minute of it.”

Since retiring, Annie has continued to make the very best of her life.

“I like comedy, reading and music – although I feel that the eyes and ears are getting a bit thin now!

“The time goes so quickly I haven’t known what has happened to it. I’ve got good family who come and see me, and people have always been coming in and out here over the years.

“Obviously the virus has made things a lot more difficult in recent months, but I still do my own housework and have a great world around me at Philip House. What more would you want!”

To celebrate its rich history and invest in the future, C&C will be hosting a “Move for Care” month-long step challenge and fortnight dance-a-thon in January and February 2022. The aim is to raise £25,000 to build sensory gardens at each of our four care homes. To support these fundraising efforts, you can find out more about joining in the challenge and/or donate directly by visiting ccht.org.uk/our-care-homes/move-for-care/. Thank you for your support – more details to follow!

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