A friendship which began over half a century ago has been renewed at a care home in High Wycombe. 

Joan Jackson and Janet Clarke are friends reunited and enjoying each other’s company again at the Day Care service being run at Royal Star & Garter. 

The pair met in 1974 through their daughters – who went to school together – and the mums became good friends. 

However, they saw less of each other as their children grew up. Joan moved to Cornwall, and even though she returned to live in the Wycombe area, they have been unable to meet up often. 

That changed when Janet joined Royal Star & Garter’s Day Care in September 2025, just over a year after Joan started using the service.

Their story is being shared by Royal Star & Garter ahead of Mother’s Day, on 15 March. The charity provides loving, compassionate care to veterans and their families, living with disability or dementia, through its Homes in Solihull, Surbiton, High Wycombe and Worthing. Day Care is one of its services which reaches out into the community, including Lunch Clubs and a national Telephone Friendship Service. Both Janet’s and Joan’s husbands served in the Army. 

Janet’s daughter Alison has known Joan’s daughter Pippa since they were four. They met at Wycombe Marsh Nursery and would enjoy playdates and sleepovers at each other’s homes. They have stayed close friends throughout their lives.  

‘Mum and Joan love meeting up’

The mums remained in touch through their daughters, but rarely spent time together – until coming to Royal Star & Garter. Alison explained: “Pippa told me that her mum uses the Day Care service at the Home and how good it was. She recommended it, so we went to an Open Day, and then enjoyed a taster session, and it was unbelievably good. She loves it and looks forward to going every week. And Mum and Joan love meeting up with each other regularly and being together.” 

Joan’s daughter Pippa said: “Mum loves Day Care at Royal Star & Garter and we kept saying how much Janet would also enjoy it. We recommended it and now they’re here together.” 

The pair enjoy taking part in baking and crafts activities and the entertainment in the Home. Janet also comes to the Home for Lunch Club, while Joan has stayed at Royal Star & Garter for respite care.

‘They have such a special bond and friendship’

Day Care Coordinator Suzie Bignall said: “It’s lovely seeing Joan and Janet together. They have such a special bond and friendship and it’s a privilege to see it continue at Royal Star & Garter.” 

For more information about Day Care at Royal Star & Garter, including specialist dementia care Day Care, go to www.starandgarter.org/our-homes-and-care/types-of-care/day-care  

Royal Star & Garter in High Wycombe is also welcoming new residents. For more information on this, its other services or to work at the Home, go to www.starandgarter.org/hw