At 73 years young, HC-One’s Coppice Lodge Care Home resident Mary Sutherland begins each day with a comforting ritual by patiently waiting in the reception area for her daily newspaper in Arnold, Nottinghamshire.
Since moving to the care home in October 2024, Mary has become a familiar and beloved figure, quietly welcoming each morning with a hot coffee and a fresh newspaper. Mary’s life story is as rich and varied as the headlines she reads each day.
A former Assistant Occupational Therapist for Nottingham County Council, Mary’s dedication once spanned a 120-mile radius, serving communities across the shire of Nottingham. Beyond her professional career, Mary earned pilot licenses for gliders and light aircraft, sailed boats, kept horses, and later became a licensed Reiki Consultant, illustrating her deep connection to both the physical and spiritual worlds.
Mary’s morning routine is a steadfast tradition. Arriving early, she waits in the reception area for the daily newspaper delivery.
Coppice Lodge’s large newspaper round ensures a variety of reading options, yet Mary consistently selects her own paper from the pile. Her daughter Jane fondly recalls her mother’s love for the crossword puzzles tucked inside, alongside her habit of reading her daily horoscope – a spiritual guide through the day’s news.
Mary Sutherland, HC-One’s Coppice Lodge Care Home resident, said:
“I’ve always started my day with coffee and the newspaper. There’s something grounding about turning the pages, catching up with the headlines, and losing myself in the crossword.
"I like things to be just so - everything in its place. When the paper’s late, I feel a bit lost, like I’ve missed the start of my day. It’s not just about the news - it’s my little moment of calm, a way to connect with the world and with myself before the day begins."
Angela Allen, Coppice Lodge Care Home Front of House Manager, stated:
“She sits in the reception, puts her feet up, and immerses herself in the paper.”
Though Mary enjoys this time quietly and alone, it is a meaningful moment of peace and reflection, a bridge between her past and present. At Coppice Lodge, HC-One delivers all-inclusive, person-centred care with no hidden fees, ensuring residents can live their best lives in a relaxing environment.
The home’s engaging activities programme, such as bringing residents together for memorable experiences, from marking National Walking Month by taking part in 62k walk to raise funds for Dementia UK to enjoying nostalgic movie screenings.