Behind the façade
In 2010 American photographer, Tom Hussey, created an award-winning project ‘Reflections of the Past’ for a pharmaceutical company, to advertise their prescription medicine for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s dementia. Inspired by a WW2 veteran who said ‘I can’t believe I’m going to be 80, I feel like I just came back from the war. I look in the mirror and I see this old guy’, this powerful series comprises images of elderly people, looking at their reflection in a mirror or window and seeing their younger selves looking back at them. One image, in particular, shows a stiff-backed lady in a care home, looking at her young reflection – herself once a nurse.
The message is clear: sometimes we find it hard to see beyond the grey hair and wrinkles, seeing only the old person – unable to hear, remember the past or climb the stairs. What we don’t see is that the very same person was once an energetic, vibrant young man or woman, living life to the full, working hard, socialising, raising a family.
We have to learn to look behind the facade.
You could say the same applies to our building, as Birchwood House itself has had a rich and colourful life, dating back to 1841.
Etherton Hill, as it was originally known, was the home of a local farmer named William Stapley, but was eventually sold to a retired civil engineer called Edwin Winton. During WWI, Winton and his wife ran The Speldhurst War Dressing Association, making dressings for the troops, together with nearly 70 other women volunteers. After the war, the house was sold to a Swedish timber importer, but was vacated at the outbreak of WWII when the house was requisitioned for a Light Infantry Regiment – a secret unit that later took part in the Normandy invasion. Hollywood actor David Niven was billeted at nearby Langton Green and was sometimes seen visiting his troops at Etherton.
By the end of the war, the house had fallen into terrible disrepair and the owners were advised to demolish it. Instead, they sold it for a nominal fee to Christian faith healer, Dorothy Kerin, who was looking for a home for the nine war orphans she had adopted, and a place where she could treat her patients. The village Red Cross hut was bought and converted into a chapel, and during an official blessing in 1948, Etherton was renamed Chapel House. Patients were cared for there until it was sold in 1958 (the Christian hospital having been successfully established at Burrswood in nearby Groombridge). The house was turned back into a private home under the new name of White Lodge, and some time during the 1970s, the estate was broken up and the main house became Birchwood House Rest Home.
Try taking a little time to find out what lies behind the façade – you might just learn something unexpected!
Other articles you may like
- Slow cooked beef casserole
We love Nicky Corbishley’s take on a lighter version of this classic British dish. It’s become a staple over the summer and our resident’s have enjoyed the fresh variation, which makes use of crisp vegetables and couscous. - Why routine matters later in life
As we grow older, familiarity often becomes increasingly important. Small daily routines – whether it’s enjoying a morning cup of tea, reading the newspaper after breakfast, tending to the garden, or listening to a favourite song before bed – can provide comfort, confidence, and a reassuring sense of normality. - Kentish Treacle and Lemon Tart
Chef John always creates the most delicious desserts, and he hasn’t missed with this one either. The mouth-watering Kentish lemon tart has not disappointed and is super easy to make. We have taken inspiration from BBC Good Food. - How can we protect our residents in the sun?
A few years ago, we’d be lucky to see a summer that would hit mid-twenty degrees. July would usually fall between 19°C to 23°C, and whilst it would be hot, it was nowhere near the mid-thirties! - Chicken Caesar Salad
Chef John’s salads are always a hit, so here’s another variation on a timeless classic. Chicken caesar salad uses little ingredients to create maximum flavour, and the dish is easily customisable to whatever you fancy. We’ve taken inspo from BBC Good Food for this one. You can also boost this dish with extra veg, like cucumber, carrot, radishes and tomatoes. In this heat, veg with high water content (such as lettuce) is also great for staying hydrated. - What are the different roles in a care home?
At Birchwood, everyone plays their part. We take so much pride and care in the work that we do, and knowing we can make a difference in our residents’ lives makes all the difference. We genuinely care about our residents, and the connections we make is what makes us so special. We make sure every resident can enjoy their time here, and feel cared for every day with loving, qualified staff. And because our team is nothing short of exceptional, we thought it’s time to introduce everyone! Here, we want to spotlight all the different roles in our care home, and just how each person supports our residents’ wellbeing. - How can we support adults with neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is increasingly talked about in care, especially when it comes to meeting emotional needs. And whilst it’s so good to see this happening, sometimes older adults are left out of the conversation. Focus tends to be on children, particularly for school support and early diagnosis. - Pistachio and Honey Crème Brûlée
The Pistachio and Honey Crème Brûlé offers a sumptuous take on a timeless dessert, balancing comfort with sophistication. Hidden beneath its signature, shimmering caramel crust is a silky custard, enriched with the warm, floral sweetness of golden honey. - Prawn and chorizo pasta
This prawn and chorizo pasta offers a perfect mix of sweet and smoky flavour. The prawn brings a lighter, more delicate touch, whilst the chorizo gives the dish a richness. Plus, the fat from the chorizo is great for creating the sauce base! This one is from BBC Food and it’s super easy to prep and make, mixing lots of flavours in a way that feels warm and comfortable. Perfect for spring!
