Long lost friends finally reunited at Buxton care home during Covid-19 pandemic

Dorothy, 93, and Mary Gregory, 89, became friends while they both attended Buxton Girls School together as teenagers and remained friends for many years afterwards.

Mary previously lived in Cresswell and Dorothy lived in Buxton when they first met at junior school.

As they grew up, they enjoyed dancing together at the Palace Hotel after having a drink or two at the Milk bar in Buxton.

Dorothy and Mary went on to start families and lost touch over the years, but now have plenty of time to catch up.

Mary has resided at The Portland Nursing Home since December 2019 and Dorothy joined her in August 2020, during the coronavirus outbreak.

Mary’s daughter Lorraine was the person who informed Portland Nursing Home manager Kaye of the two ladies’ friendship history.

The girls met during their time at Buxton Girls School. For nearly 300 years, Buxton had segregated comprehensive schools but the girl’s school was eventually flattened in 1990 and replaced by a housing estate.

Lorraine said: “It's great for two old friends like Mary and Dot to be reunited.

"I'm sure they will enjoy reminiscing over the old times. Just be careful, they were always a bit boisterous.”

Kaye Fogarty, home manager at Portland Nursing Home, said: “It’s wonderful to see these two lovely ladies reunite at Portland after so many years apart, especially during these difficult times.

“We are enjoying spending time with Mary and Dorothy and love hearing about the many memories that they share.”

Portland Nursing Home is a specialist home with a team of dedicated care staff who provide around the clock nursing care for residents.

The home is now welcoming new residents and also socially-distanced family visits.

For more information on Portland Nursing Home, or to take a look around the home, call 01298 23040 or visit www.portlandnursinghome.co.uk.