An award-winning care home in Abingdon has celebrated its 12th anniversary with a royal-themed party led by its longest “reigning” resident, 94-year-old Jean Underwood.
Known affectionately as “Queen Jean”, she joined Bridge House Care Home when it opened in 2013 and has called it home for more than a decade. To mark the occasion, Jean cut the celebratory cake surrounded by fellow residents, staff, and her daughter, Karen Habgood, amid royal blue and gold balloons.
Bridge House, which has 71 en-suite bedrooms and provides residential, nursing, dementia and palliative care, has been home to many special moments for Jean. In 2017, she fulfilled a “Make A Wish” dream by riding on the back of a Harley Davidson, and last year, the home arranged a private concert by a local operatic society when she couldn’t attend in person.
Addressing the crowd, Jean said:
“Thank you all for looking after me this long. You’ve all played your part in looking after all of us, in making it a friendly atmosphere and in making sure we’re well and safe.
“You’ve been so friendly, and I can call upon you whenever I need to, it’s been wonderful, so thank you all.”
Her daughter, Karen, added:
“We are all very happy with the care and devotion that Mum receives from all the team at Bridge House. She enjoys all the social activities, especially the weekly quizzes and visits from the singers and musicians.”
Jean has witnessed many changes, including the refurbishment of the home and the relaunch of the Riverly Club in 2023 – a leisure facility featuring a spa, cinema, bistro, and fitness suite. “I joined the Riverly Club when it first opened,” Jean said. “I was impressed with the home and became familiar with it through the club, so it was always going to be the home I came to.”
Business manager and qualified nurse, June Maharaj, said: “It’s so reassuring for residents to see the same faces in their home every day, year after year.” She added that winning the Team of the Year Award at the Oxfordshire Care Awards and achieving an Outstanding CQC rating – held by only 4 per cent of UK care homes – reflected the team’s dedication and love.
Home manager Marta Leszko summed up the milestone: “Our home is special because of our commitment to bring comfort, dignity, and happiness to our residents. We had a brilliant 12th anniversary celebration and Jean’s speech really meant a lot to us all.”
