The sun shone down on two special care home residents as they both celebrated landmark birthdays.
Staff at Swindon Borough Council-run Fessey House in Brookdene, Haydon Wick, organised a party for two of their oldest residents yesterday, 19th May, to mark their significant milestones.
Hilda Lane and fellow resident Matilda (known as Vera) Horsburgh, were treated to their own birthday cakes, balloons and a glass of fizz in recognition of them becoming centenarians.
Hilda turned 101 on Monday 16th May and, with Vera set to receive her telegram from The Queen on 3rd June, staff at Fessey House decided to organise a joint party in the care home’s newly-refurbished garden in their honour.
Councillor Brian Ford, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, also popped in to wish them both a very happy birthday.
Hilda’s birthday was made all the more special because she was unable to celebrate her 100th birthday last year due to being in Great Western Hospital.
Clasping the birthday card she received from Her Majesty, Hilda said: “I’ve had a lovely time. The day has gone in a flash. I’m enjoying myself today, the weather is lovely.”
Asked what the secret is to long life, Hilda simply replied: “I’ve never smoked.”
Sharron Black, Operational Manager at Fessey House, said: “Hilda celebrated her 100th birthday in GWH, but she came into Fessey three days later and we threw her a tea party.
“But we wanted to do something extra special for her this year so she could properly mark such an important milestone. As Vera is 100 in a couple of weeks we thought it would be fitting to have a joint celebration.”
Cllr Ford added: “I feel very privileged to be here celebrating the birthdays of both Hilda and Vera. I think what it shows is that the quality of life here at Fessey is very good!
“The staff here do an incredible job and they pride themselves on going the extra mile for the residents in their care as today’s celebration shows. They are a real credit to the Council.”
As of 21st May 2022, the oldest person living in the United Kingdom is Ethel Caterham, born 21 August 1909, aged 112 years, 273 days.
