Keswick Residential Home - Ruby's Story

Ruby and Vic with their two young children moved to Bookham after the second World War and settled into village life. I came along in 1954 to complete their family. Life in Bookham in the 50's and 60's was idyllic for us children, we played on the common and in the grounds of Polesden Lacey and just had to be home before dark. The village policeman kept an eye on the local lads and if they got up to mischief would call after them ‘I know where you live, I will tell your Mum’ but I can't remember real crime or bad behaviour from the youths of the time.  Aanyway, Ruby and Vic reared their own family to adulthood and had a clutch of grandchildren.  When Vic died in 1984 Ruby lived in the same home for another 26 years until failing health and advancing age forced the issue of her moving to a home with more support than ‘care going in’ was giving her.

Southey Court was viewed and liked very much and her name was added to the waiting list but her health deteriorated faster than the waiting list shortened and so in 2009 Ruby moved into Keswick Residential Home in Eastwick Park Avenue where she lived out the rest of her life enveloped in love and kindness from all the staff.

After living in Bookham for over 50 years it was important for mum to stay in the same village where she was familiar with the shops and people and many of the staff at Keswick she had known from children.  She kept her own hairdresser and doctor, thus keeping a continuity to her life even though she had moved home at an advanced age.

All her friends continued to visit, many a time it felt like a party with so many visitors, I often ate with her which was lovely, the staff were without exception, wonderful. She passed away tucked up warm in bed with caring people looking after her and our family will be eternally grateful for all they did to enhance her life and care for her so well, Bless Them All.

Enclosed is a picture of a Peruvian Band called ‘Kausary’, playing for the residents of Keswick. Mum's favourite music was The Pan Pipes, so in memory of her we arranged for this group to come and entertain the residents, which they certainly did, the afternoon was much enjoyed by everyone present.