Ruth Birch moved to from Lincolnshire to Northumberland with her husband Bill, to live in Lord Tedder Court and be surrounded by RAF veterans living independently.
Bill had served in the RAF from 1942 to 1947, training in Canada as an air bomber. His career took him to Germany to ‘Hitler’s Retreat’ near Berchtesgarden and to the Netherlands as part of Operation Manna. He returned to Britain where he served at RAF Scampton until he was demobbed and went to study in Exeter.
Ruth had been in her third year of teacher training and completing an animal husbandry course when she and Bill met in the teaching potting shed. Eventually they married, and lived in Essex before settling in Canwick, Lincolnshire for their retirement. They enjoyed being active members of the RAF Association there, fundraising for many years at air shows and street collections. So when they decided they needed a holiday away from Lincolnshire there was only one place they wanted to visit. The couple spent a week at the Association’s Rothbury House which was run as a hotel for the RAF community until 2020. They enjoyed themselves so much that they thought of putting themselves on the list for the charity’s independent living flats next door at Lord Tedder Court.
Unfortunately Bill had a stroke as he was recovering from an operation and life changed for the couple. With the focus firmly on Bill’s rehabilitation, thoughts of moving to Northumberland were put aside. In 2006, the couple did put themselves on the list to become residents at Lord Tedder Court, but it would be another six years before they moved in.
Ruth has lived at Lord Tedder Court since 2012 and thoroughly enjoys her life there. Bill moved up to Northumberland with her, but developed Alzheimer’s and had to move out of their home into a more suitable care facility. For two years, Ruth visited Bill once a week until he passed away in August 2019 aged 95. He’s laid to rest at the 625 Squadron Memorial.
Now Ruth keeps herself very busy; she is on the local RAF Association Branch Committee, is an active part of the social group and is able to get out and about in Rothbury and the surrounding area with the help of local taxis. As part of this community of RAF veterans living independently, Ruth also orders the online food shop for herself and her neighbour – something which she says adds to the sense of togetherness. Ruth says:
“I’ve learnt that you need to take each day as it comes [as you get older] and just get on with it. That’s the secret. We’re all here to support each other.”
“I would recommend Lord Tedder Court to anyone, it’s a great place to live. There were so many opportunities to socialise next door in Rothbury House when it was a hotel. It would be lovely if the building can be developed into more independent living to grow our community. The atmosphere is very friendly and nobody needs to feel isolated or lonely when they are here.”
And there is also still a happy memory of her married life on site. While studying at St Luke’s College, Exeter, Bill had been captain of the athletics club and cross country team and was given the chance to run with the 1948 Olympic Torch. The Olympic flame had come across the English Channel and arrived at Wembley. When it needed to be taken to Torquay for the start of the yachting events, a team of runners was recruited from athletics clubs along the route. Bill was chosen to run a leg and, as a thank you, he was allowed to keep the torch. It is now on display at Rothbury House where Ruth can see it every day.
GScRun – Park
Ruth looking at her husband Bill's RAF photos and medals,
GScRun – River
Ruth holding the Olympic Torch carried by her RAF husband, Bill.
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