Arcot House says goodbye to two of its oldest residents, Topsy and Dennis

By Philippa Davies

10th Mar 2021 | Local News

Sidmouth's oldest resident, Gertrude 'Topsy' Hindley, has died at the age of 108.

She passed away on Sunday, March 7 at Arcot House Care Home, where she had lived since she was 102.

Topsy was well known in Sidmouth as the founder of the Animal Rescue Centre charity. Read more about her story here. She is also thought to be one of the oldest people in the UK to receive the Covid-19 vaccination – read more about that here.

Samantha Evens is the Senior Manager of Doveleigh Care Ltd, which runs Arcot House in Sidmouth and Dove Court in Seaton. She said:

"Topsy was fiercely independent and had a room with a separate lounge (garden view), en-suite and mini kitchen. She was very set in her ways and would always voice her views about how she would like things done. She loved to sit and reminisce about her love for dogs and the charity she set up, known as Animal Rescue Centre.

"Topsy had many friends and family who would visit, bringing their dogs in too. She was a petite lady but always loved a good start to the day with eight cups of tea and eight slices of bread and butter! She always found room for her snacks and meals throughout the day.

Recognised by Heinz for her love of ketchup

"Topsy loved ketchup and would have this with every main meal, daily. Heinz would send her an annual birthday card with a personalised sticker. If the staff didn't put enough ketchup on, she would say 'More!' loudly for all to hear.

"Topsy told the staff, 'I didn't want to leave my house, but I am happy here. I think I probably need a bit of help now, but don't tell anyone I said that'. Topsy was 107 when she said this.

"Topsy would love to watch the handyman working out in the garden and the birds coming to her feeders by her room. We have a Christmas tree in the garden every year and Topsy would always look out over the garden and say, 'Oh, it's my Christmas tree'.

"While at Arcot House, Topsy began to do activities she had never done before. She loved to watch clips on YouTube of dogs, join in music sessions, play draughts, and even watch a musical. Topsy never owned a TV of her own. When we would use the iPad and take pictures and show her, she would say, 'Is that Topsy?' and we would say, 'Yes', and she would then laugh.

"Topsy loved to go for a drive in our Dove Bug and spot flowers, which she would then name these to our activity staff. Topsy had many soft toy dogs which she loved to show the staff and talk about. Her favourite was Dombie and was her therapy dog. Topsy also liked to play 'catch' with these with the staff as they came in the room. Topsy would find this funny as the staff wouldn't expect it. The staff went along with this and had fun with her.

"Topsy was loved and admired by all staff and residents at Arcot and will always remain a big part of the Arcot family. Topsy was an inspiration to us all and I feel very grateful to have been able to care for her for seven years."

Dennis Cooke passed away aged 100

Another of Arcot House's older residents, Dennis Cooke, has passed away at the age of 100.

Dennis, who had lived at the care home since March last year, died on Monday, March 8.

Samantha said, "Dennis was very independent and kept us on our toes. He liked to have one-to-ones with staff and never wanted a fuss. But when it came to his 100th birthday, he really enjoyed the celebration and knew what a great achievement it was to reach 100.

"Although Dennis was strong-willed and would quite rightly tell us where we weren't going right with what he wanted, he was a kind and true gentleman and grew great bonds with the staff. We will miss Dennis, but he became a part of the Arcot family very quickly and will always be in our thoughts."