Slough care home resident reflects on the last century on her 100th birthday

A resident at a care home in Slough celebrated her 100^th birthday and took a trip down memory lane.

Hillary Scofield, a resident at Care UK’s Oak House, on Forest Close, marked her 100^th birthday with a big celebration arranged by the team at the home. They pulled out all the stops to decorate the lounge with banners and balloons and made sure to play her favourite song ‘All the Time and Everywhere’ by Dickie Valentine.

Hillary was born on 28^th February 1925, in Ilford, Essex and was the youngest of four siblings.

 

As a young girl, Hillary wasn’t fond of school and preferred to explore outside the classroom, letting her curiosity lead the way. What she was passionate about was dancing, which was one of her first loves. Reminiscing about dancing in her younger years, Hillary said: “I loved to move to the rhythm of the music, feeling the freedom and joy dancing brought.”

At the age of 15, Hillary’s adventurous spirit and strong work ethic led her to her first job at Cutex, making nail polish on a trading estate. This marked the beginning of a long and varied career, including an exciting role as a waitress for celebrities in London, which gave her countless stories to share.

However, Hillary said one of her most notable roles was being the head of the domestic cleaners at Wrexham Hospital, where she ensured everything ran smoothly and efficiently.

She also worked for Admiralty Compass Observatory, which was a department of the British Royal Navy and provided services for the design, development, inspections and repair of compasses for ships and aircraft, until 1971. Hillary worked in the testing department and was very dedicated to her role, and mentioned that she was “immensely proud” of her work.

In her early twenties, she moved with her partner, Peter, to Langley, Berkshire, where they started a beautiful life together and in 1948, the pair tied the knot. Together, they built a home filled with love and raised four children – one son and three daughters – who are the couple's greatest pride and joy. They also have eight grandchildren and 12 great-children.

One of Hillary’s most cherished memories was when she met the famous singer, Matt Monro. He serenaded her and sang "My Kind of Girl" just for her, and it was a moment that left a lasting impression.

Outside of being a strong career woman and loving wife and mother, Hillary has a great love for nature. She said: “Daffodils hold a special place in my heart. Their bright yellow blooms remind me of my own vibrant and cheerful personality.”

Hillary loves the colours and beauty of nature and finds peace and joy in the garden and gardening became a new passion for her in her later years.

Even after retiring, Hillary didn’t slow down. She kept herself active and pursued activities that brought her happiness, including knitting and crocheting, all while being a member of the Townswomen’s Guild.

Commenting on turning 100, Hillary said: “I look back with gratitude, knowing each step of my journey has been meaningful and my family has been the greatest gift. I am proud of the life I’ve lived, the family I have raised and the adventures I have experienced.”

Agnieszka Klimkowicz-Buda, Home Manager at Oak House, said: “Hillary is such a joyous person and is a big character at Oak House. We were so excited to celebrate such a huge milestone with Hillary and her friends and family.

“Here at Oak House, we take pride in ensuring residents live fulfilling and active lives – and Hillary’s newly minted centenarian status definitely called for a celebration. We loved listening to all her favourite memories and know that she is a woman who puts her heart into everything she does. Here's to Hillary!”

Oak House provides full-time residential, nursing and specialist dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The home, which has its very own café, hair and beauty salon and cinema room, enables residents to live active and fulfilled lives while also promoting independence.