To celebrate Siblings Day, which is taking place on Wednesday 10th April, colleagues at
HC-One’s Rose Court care home, in Radcliffe, Manchester, have been talking to two of their residents, sisters Iris and Annette, who have recently moved in together, allowing their close bond, spanning eight decades, to continue.
Iris Brown, 80, and Annette Barr, 82, moved into Rose Court in 2019 and 2021 respectively. Iris’ husband made arrangements for Annette to be in same care home, so they could still visit each other.
Iris’ daughter Rachel Butterworth said:
“When their previous care home closed, it was genuinely amazing that they could move together to Rose Court on 17th January this year so they can still see each other as they always have done.”
Born 18 months apart during the second world war, Iris and Annette grew up around the Swinton and Eccles areas in Manchester and both went to Stretford Grammar School for Girls.
Both sisters are alike in many ways, they are keen gardeners and shoppers, and do lots of retail therapy together. They’ve always shared a great sense of humour and a love of animals especially cats - at one point they had around eight cats between them! They were also always close to their parents, especially their mum.
Despite their similarities, Annette and Iris have also lived very different lives. Annette never married and always lived at home with her mum and dad. She worked in insurance for over 40 years and loved gardening. She is very creative and arty.
Iris worked for about 10 years in shops before she became a full-time housewife.
Apart from a couple of spells of Iris living in Surrey, the sisters have always lived close by each other.
Rachel, describes her fond memories of the family:
“Although only a small family, we always had Christmases and Easters at one house or the other, with plenty of food and fun!”
Allison Porter, Wellbeing Coordinator at Rose Court, said:
“We love having Iris and Annette at Rose Court. They live on different floors but spend quality time together, often before they go to sleep at night, they love a good chat in the lounge.”
With Siblings Day happening this month, and when asked what their secret to a strong sister bond is.
Annette said:
“Regular cups of tea together!”