Two Royal Air Force veterans have discovered an extraordinary friendship at
Brize Meadow Lodge Care Home, proving that meaningful connections can blossom at any stage of life.
Brian Montgomery and Mike Bailey, who both moved to the care home in 2023, found they shared not only an RAF background but also mutual friends from their service days.
In celebration of National Make a Friend Day, the two veterans reflected on their journey from acquaintances to close companions over a drink at a local pub.
Their bond has grown from casual chats to a deep friendship, with the pair often spending time together in the garden, reminiscing and supporting one another through life’s challenges.
Brian, who enjoys their daily chats and garden sessions, said,
"I’m pleased I have Mike here at Brize Meadow Lodge. I see him as my best friend."
Reciprocating the sentiment, Mike added,
“I’m really lucky to have everyone around me. Brian’s a really good chap; everything seems so much easier with lovely people around to share life with. We get along really well. We look out for each other.”
Brian encouraged Mike to join the Royal Air Force Association, an organization with 67,000 members worldwide. The RAF Association provides veterans with social connections, welfare support, and opportunities to participate in ceremonial events.
Highlighting the importance of friendship in care settings, Brize Meadow Lodge’s Home Manager, Frances Payne, expressed:
"Making the decision to change your lifestyle and move into a care setting can be really daunting, so it’s always been our goal to build a community here at Brize Meadow Lodge, and it’s incredible to know that like-minded people are building long lasting friendships while in our care."
To find out more about joining the Brize Meadow Lodge community, call 01993 323 313, email
[email protected] or pop into the home on Miles Drive, Brize Norton, OX18 1NZ.
Brize Meadow Lodge offers 24 hour, person-centred residential and dementia care. With 66 ensuite bedrooms, attractive décor and landscaped gardens, Brize Meadow Lodge was listed in Knight Frank’s Top 100 Luxury Care Home Guide.