I’ve always loved gardening. Even as a little girl in Wales, I’d go out into the garden and gently open the daffodil buds, thinking I was helping the sun get in so they could bloom. I didn’t know anything about photosynthesis back then, I just knew the flowers needed sunlight. That early love of nature never left me.

I used to be a secondary school teacher. I started in 1960, teaching in places like Mitcham in London and later in Chippenham. I taught all sorts of young people, and they were just wonderful. Unfortunately, I had to retire early to look after my husband when he became unwell, but I’ve always been grateful for my years in the classroom.

I’m a great-grandmother now. I have two daughters and one grandson, and he has two little boys of his own. My family means everything to me. Interestingly, my two sisters-in-law were residents at Leonora Home in Chippenham before Middlefields House was built and the old home closed.

My faith has carried me through everything. Life hasn’t always been easy, but the Lord has been with me every step of the way. Even in the most difficult times, I’ve felt led and cared for. Coming to Middlefields House three years ago felt like the right step, and I’m deeply thankful I did.

It was very easy to settle into Middlefields House. The staff and ‘family members’, (those who live with us), are really kind, and some I’ve known for many years. Others I’ve come to know more recently, like one lovely staff member from Ukraine. We connected deeply—perhaps because we’ve both experienced loss in different ways. There’s something special about that kind of understanding.

I have Parkinson’s disease, so my mornings start quite slowly. I usually have breakfast in bed, then get dressed when I’m feeling steadier. The staff here are always on hand, making sure I have what I need, whether that’s medication, help getting to a check-up, or just someone to talk to.

There’s a lovely rhythm to life here. This week we’ve been trying different world foods, England one day, Zimbabwe the next. It’s those little changes that keep things interesting. The days aren’t rushed, and there’s always something meaningful to be part of.

We’re bringing the garden back to life. A group of us here at Middlefields House has started working on the greenhouse and growing vegetables again. It had been left for a while, so there was a lot to clear, but now we’re seeing the fruits of our work: salads, leeks, beetroot, carrots. It feels good to grow things again.

Sewing is another thing that brings me joy. Staff and family members often give me things they no longer need, and I’ll use them for my projects. We’ve turned one of our spaces into a bit of a repair shop, and I love spending time there, working with my hands and making things useful again.

What matters most to me is being loved and cared for. That’s something we all need—whatever age we are. And here, I’ve found it.