Blind date led to years of happiness for Strachan House resident

Nowadays dating sites are proving popular but back in the 1950s Eileen Waters (née Brown), a resident at Strachan House, met the love of her life on a blind date at a ball in McEwan Hall. Eileen and George Waters went on to marry in 1954 and had two children and three grandchildren.

Now a resident of Edinburgh’s Strachan House Care Home, Mrs Waters has been working with her carers and daughters to write a biography about her life.  Mrs Waters is the first resident at the home to completed her book in hardback form.

Mrs Eileen Waters said: “I’m thrilled to see the finished book and thankful to the wonderful staff at Strachan House for helping put it together.  It’s been wonderful going through all the photos and recalling some wonderful memories of days with George.  I’m very happy it is all in one place now for my family to read too.”

Strachan House General Manager, Fiona Moncur, said:” We are so proud that we have helped Mrs Waters and her family put together this fascinating life story.  As anyone will know who has written about their family it is a long process and finishing it is quite an achievement!”

Strachan House staff have been working alongside residents and their families to build meaningful life stories. The home celebrates the individuality and milestones of each resident. Recording this information is also part of everyone’s care plan to ensure that care is always personalised. It is especially important with those people living with dementia.

Mrs Waters’ husband, George, came to Strachan House as a resident in November 2010, and she joined him in May 2011.

Mrs Waters life story begins from her childhood, through her school years, family holidays and before the interruption of War.  There are memories and pictures of foreign travel with friends, her college years and then in her words ”finding true love” through a blind date.  She fondly recalls her wedding day and dress, setting up their first home, having children and watching them grow up, and eventually coming to Strachan House and meeting up with old friends and making new ones.

Sadly George passed away in May 2013 and is greatly missed by Mrs Waters and everyone at Strachan House. The book ends with a wonderful picture of George.