Ross shares the secrets of her star-studded career
At 92 years old, Ross is living a peaceful life at Daisy Hill Court, a Retirement Living PLUS retirement community in Eaton, Norfolk, having moved from Bexhill-on-Sea to be closer to her family. Her one-bedroom retirement apartment has a large balcony overlooking meadows of poppies and cornflowers. Its serenity is a contrast to her fascinating life story and a career that reads like something out of a Hollywood script.
Working with Hollywood royalty
Ross’s her life took a dramatic turn when she landed a job at Warwick Films, a production company which made films released by Columbia Pictures. It was here that she worked as a secretary to film producer Irving Allen and occasionally for Cubby Broccoli (the James Bond franchise producer).
Her time at Warwick Films was filled with unforgettable encounters. Ross co-typed the first script for Dr. No, the film that launched Sean Connery’s career as 007. She remembers him arriving for his interview in a worn suit and barely-there shoes - but with an undeniable star quality.
She spoke to Victor Mature, a Hollywood heartthrob of the time, over the phone, and served tea to Academy Award winning actor and director Ray Milland, who cheekily remarked on her petite stature. “Gee, aren’t you short,” said the 6’2” Ray, to which Ross, standing at 4’6”, quipped back, “What’s the snow like on top?”
Actor and singer Anthony Newley – who was married to Joan Collins for seven years – was also a frequent visitor.
But one of her most vivid memories is of Elizabeth Taylor, who visited to review film rushes. “It was 9am, and she had no makeup on, but she still looked absolutely beautiful,” says Ross.
…and a fashion icon
Before working in the film industry, Ross worked for a wool merchant near London’s Golden Square. It was here that she met Fred Perry, the Wimbledon champion who was transitioning from tennis to fashion. Perry shared with her boss his vision of creating a clothing line bearing his name, complete with the now-iconic laurel wreath logo.
Ross was tasked with testing the quality of the fabric for Perry’s first shirts, washing a sample 40 times to ensure durability. The shirts went on to become a staple at Wimbledon and remain a global fashion symbol to this day. “I still see people wearing Fred Perry shirts, and it makes me smile,” she says.
…and a Lord
Ross’s life wasn’t confined to the glamour of film and fashion. She also spent time in Scotland working as the secretary to the Estate Manager of Seafield Estates in Cullen and regularly met Lord Reidhaven, the son of Lady Seafield who owned the Estate at the time. Ross recollects that he would regularly drop by the Estate Office to walk around and talk to the team, and was a very nice man.
Ross later lived in Singapore, where her husband Geoffrey’s naval career took them. In Singapore, she embraced a lifestyle of golf, swimming, and social evenings at the mess, while raising two children. The couple then moved back to the UK where they worked until retirement.
A happy retirement at her McCarthy & Stone home in Norfolk
Since moving to Daisy Hill Court, Ross has found a close-knit community and a renewed sense of belonging. Today, she says she spends her time playing cards, chess, and enjoying performances from visiting entertainers.
“I’m happy in my own skin and can be quite self-contained, but despite that I’ve made wonderful friends here and it’s reassuring to know that I’ve got people right on the doorstep, especially having family living nearby,” she says. “I couldn’t have chosen a better place to move to. What’s more, Kelly - our brilliant Estate Manager – has a wicked sense of humour and is always on hand to help with anything we need. She really goes the extra mile to put smiles on our faces.”
Looking back, Ross is proud of the life she’s led and the lessons she’s learned. “We all look back and think we could have done things differently, but that’s what life is —you go with it, and you learn,” she reflects.
Her advice to others? Embrace the opportunities that come your way, even if they seem daunting.
Make friends with fascinating fellow homeowners at McCarthy & Stone
From independent living retirement property for over 60s, to assisted living at our Retirement Living PLUS apartments for over 70s, our lovely properties in stunning locations are thoughtfully designed so you can make the most of your retirement whether you’re just over 60 or heading for 100 – and you’ll have a lively community of new neighbours on the doorstep too.
Browse our retirement homes near you, call our friendly team on 0800 201 4811 or contact us online for more information.
