Testimonials

“It is so comforting and reassuring to know that our loved and treasured friends and family from the world of entertainment are looked after in the most respectful and dignified manner.  The devotion, dedication and caring of the hand-picked staff is superb and goes well above the call of duty. Residents, family and friends are all welcomed with a warmth and generosity of spirit that is truly unique.   I cannot fault the dedication of the nursing staff in the way they cared for Kenny Gibson you were magnificent, and all of your nursing staff are angels.”

“Having been a visitor of Brinsworth House for many years, I have found the nursing care and welfare of my relative to be excellent. Most of all I appreciate being quickly informed on all matters of health and wellbeing. Brinsworth House is always kept in a very good homely condition. The staff are very welcoming to friends and family and the facilities provided for the residents are very varied to cater for all.”

“I am the nephew of Alf Pearson, one half of the musical duo Bob and Alf Pearson, “My Brother and I”. Alf spent the last five years of his life in Brinsworth and I know he was no model resident, probably because as a life-long bachelor he keenly felt the loss of independence. But the care and affection he received from all the staff was priceless. I visited Alf several times a week, easy in view of my proximity, and the same hospitality was always extended to me. I have nothing but praise, admiration and gratitude for the huge effort that everyone made to ensure Alf’s time at Brinsworth was as comfortable, interesting and supportive as possible.”

“My eldest sister Cathie was a resident at Brinsworth House for many years; she was an actress who sadly went blind. I live in York bringing up three daughters so my visits were spasmodic and infrequent, but I never found Cathie unhappy, she always looked well cared for and seemed content to be with like-minded people of the theatre. Cathie and her family could not have asked for more.”

Alan never tired of praising the folks who run Brinsworth House. When it became clear that he could no longer look after himself, he was welcomed into Brinsworth’s care with warmth and professionalism. In particular, he struck up a mutually rewarding friendship with fellow resident Eileen Greenwood and counted the staff as a very real ’soul mates’. Until his voice faltered, he would travel into London on a weekly basis to record ‘Their Greatest Bits’, the Radio Two programme that at the end of his career saw him return to his first love – the world of Opera and Classical music. I have no doubt that but for all that Brinsworth’s supporters make possible, his extended career, and the pleasure it brought to millions would not have been possible. Thank you to all at Brinsworth and to the Royal Variety Charity.

When my Mother, Dame Thora Hird, moved into Brinsworth House for what turned out to be the last few months of her life, many people were surprised.Here she was with 5 BAFTA’s and an American Emmy Award for heavy and dramatic roles, numerous “straight” plays in London’s West End and a career count of over 500 plays in theatres up and down the land. And although her television career had included half a dozen comedy series she was best known for her Alan Bennett “Talking Heads” plays and her 20 years of “Songs of Praise” the BBC Sunday program.But if you scratched the surface a little you would soon discover strong links and friendships with Variety.Her Father, James Hird, started his career as a strolling Minstral on the sands in Morcombe, Lancs, and, her Mother, Marie Mayor met him while appearing in a summer show on the Central Pier.In the 1950’s Thora herself did many “Summer Seasons” in broad comedy plays at the Grand Theatre in Blackpool, Scarlborough, Torquay, Southsea, Bournemouth etc. and during each of these summers she struck up friendships that she kept going through the years. So it was no surprise to me that in her ninety’s when she needed a little help and tender loving care that she asked to visit Brinsworth House.

Sure enough, as we walked in, she met old and dear friends and started trading storiesand memories, from Blackpool Circus, the Black and White Minstral Show to a pianist who had accompanied her as she entertained troops during World War II. She moved in for “a rest” shortly afterwards and although she still made a couple of appearances in “Last of the Summer Wine” (a TV series that she had been in for over 16 years) it became very difficult for her to continue working.

It was as this point that the wisdom and understanding of the staff became so very important.With total love and patience they cared for her and showed kindness and thoughtfulness beyond anything I have ever encountered.They helped her and they helped me and I will never forget them all.

My heartfelt thanks to you Brinsworth House you are truly amazing in the job you do. Bravo!!