Grandmothers from Aarandale Manor Care Home Share Heartfelt ‘Words of Wisdom’ with Young Mums for Mother’s Day
15 April 2025Mothering Sunday took on a beautifully nostalgic and heartwarming tone in Mill Hill this year, thanks to two remarkable grandmothers from Aarandale Manor care home who stepped out to share their wisdom, warmth, and a little bit of magic with young mothers in the community.
Shirley Emm, 91, and Rosetta Silverstone, 85, are not just beloved residents of Aarandale Manor — they are mothers, grandmothers, and proud East Londoners with a lifetime of stories and advice to share. The dynamic duo, both originally from East Ham, raised their families in the bustling heart of East London before settling in the quiet comfort of Mill Hill. But their zest for life and their desire to connect with others remains as strong as ever.
This year, they decided to mark Mothering Sunday in a unique and meaningful way. With the support of the care home’s enthusiastic Activities Co-ordinator, Rachel Greene, Shirley and Rosetta set up a little station outside Waitrose in Holders Hill. Their goal was simple: to meet young mums, offer a few heartfelt words of encouragement, and spread some joy.
The two women prepared beautifully wrapped gift bags that included chocolate, flowers, a handmade Mother’s Day card, a copy of their original poem filled with parenting tips, and a special invitation to visit the care home and witness the hatching of ducklings — an experience they hoped would delight local children and strengthen intergenerational bonds.
Their handwritten poem was at the heart of their effort. It offered gentle, thoughtful advice drawn from decades of motherhood. Lines such as “Always explain to your children why you want them to do something” and “Don’t just listen to your children — hear them” echoed the kind of nurturing, patient parenting that never goes out of style.
“It was nice chatting to the mothers,” Shirley said with a smile. “We were reminiscing about what being a mum was like in our day. So much has changed, but the love we have for our children – that’s timeless.”
Rosetta added, “It was a lovely morning, so we wanted to do something special. Being a mother is such a big job, and it’s nice to be able to say ‘you’re doing great’ — sometimes that’s all someone needs to hear.”
As they handed out the gift bags, many mothers stopped to thank them, share their own stories, and even take a few photos. Some were visibly moved, touched by the sincerity and kindness of these two grandmothers who had taken the time to connect with them.
Rachel Greene, who organised the outing, was thrilled by the response. “Shirley and Rosetta were just beaming all morning. They were so well received by passers-by. It was more than just handing out gifts — it was about sparking conversation, sharing memories, and creating a bridge between generations.”
For Aarandale Manor, a 65-bed care home operated by Abbey Healthcare, the event was more than just a one-off gesture. It reflects a broader commitment to making meaningful community connections and empowering residents to stay actively involved in the world around them.
“This is what life at Aarandale is all about,” Rachel explained. “Our residents have so much life experience and wisdom. Events like this give them the chance to share that, to feel valued, and to bring joy to others. We’re always looking for ways to connect with the local community — and Mothering Sunday was the perfect opportunity.”
The invitation to visit the care home and see the ducklings hatch is still open, and Shirley and Rosetta are already looking forward to welcoming children and families into their home. “We love seeing little ones around,” said Rosetta. “They bring such joy and laughter.”
In a world that often feels rushed and disconnected, Shirley and Rosetta’s gesture reminded everyone of the simple power of kindness, conversation, and community. Their wisdom, born of lived experience, resonated with every mum they met — proof that, sometimes, the best guidance doesn’t come from books or blogs, but from those who’ve walked the path before us.
As Mothering Sunday 2025 is fondly remembered by many young mums in Mill Hill, it’s likely that the advice of two East London grandmothers — given with love, a smile, and a little chocolate — will linger long after the flowers have faded.
For more information about Aarandale Manor, please visit our website here
