This Valentine’s Day at Orford House, the Coulsdon-based residential care home run by Charity, Friends of the Elderly, which is celebrating its 120th Anniversary this year, Jerzy Snigorski and his wife, Margaret, have been reminiscing about their 58 years of married life together and sharing their story with the Care Home Team.
Jerzy, who has been a resident at Orford House since August 2024, was born in Poland. At only six weeks old, along with is Mother and Grandfather, he was taken by the Russian Army, put on a cattle truck and transported to Siberia where his Mother was forced to work in a mill.
Margaret, who was born in Purley, moved to Cambridge with her family as her Father was an Electrician for USA Air Force. Like her Father, Margaret also worked for the USA Air Force near the American Embassy in London before working at The Royal Marsden Hospital in Epidemiology at The Institute of Cancer Research in Sutton.
It was love at first sight when the keen dancers met at The Empire Ballroom in Leicester Square. For their first date, Jerzy took Margaret to the cinema to see one of the most successful Polish movies – Knights of the Teutonic Order – a Polish historical epic film adapted for the big screen by Nobel Laureate, Henryk Sienkiewicz.
Love continued to blossom and the happy couple tied the knot on 1st October 1966 at St. Dunstan’s Church in Cheam. “It was one of the happiest days of my life, even if my Groom was late! I thought that was the Bride’s prerogative,” said a smiling Margaret.
“That’s right,” continued Jerzy. “Can you believe it, I over slept and was late getting to the church, so Margaret had to take a few tours around the block until I got there.”
Jerzy and Margaret, who visits her Husband at Orford House every day, share the same interests – ballroom dancing, history and visiting interesting places, a love of animals – especially their family dogs – holidays and walking. “We actually spent our honeymoon up in Scotland at Fort William,” continued Jerzy. “The scenery and walks there were breathtaking.”
The couple both agree that the top three moments of their marriage so far have been their actual Wedding Day, the births of their two sons – and when they retired together. “Retiring was great as we got to spend more time together,” continued Margaret.
Jerzy and Margaret share the same sense of humour and both believe the secret to their long and happy marriage are a few simple things. “Having shared interests and being able to compromise are great foundations for a wonderful marriage like ours,” said Jerzy. “It’s good to give each other space and that you always stick by each other,” added Margaret.
“We have always been a unit, a strong partnership and total companions to each other,” continued Jerzy. “We have worked as a team and got through life’s ups and downs together.”
“We have always stuck by each other, and always will do,” added Margaret. “We are each other’s Soul Mate. He really is my Best Friend and I love him more each day.”
To make Valentine’s Day extra special for the loving pair, the Orford House Care Team created a romantic ‘Come Dining’ experience and atmosphere in the care home’s dining room, complete with balloons, roses, background music and, of course, a delicious meal. “Margaret and Jerzy are a wonderful couple and much loved members of the Orford House family,” said Michelle Kennett, the Registered Manager at the care home.
“They are always smiling, chatting and joking together so, on Valentine’s Day, we wanted to do something special for them to let them know just how special they are to all of us at Orford House.”
“I was asked the other day what advice I would give to a young couple about to walk down the aisle. It would have to be make sure you choose your partner very carefully, as you’ll be spending the rest of your life with each other. I picked a winner, the love of my life, and couldn’t be happier if I tried,” concluded Jerzy.
