A Winchester care home staged landmark celebrations for two of its seven centenarians including one of the oldest people in the South.
Betty Perry, 106, and fellow resident Daphne Hopewell, 100, who share the same birthday, were naturally the centre of attention at Colten Care’s Abbotts Barton as friends, family and care team members brought them good wishes.
Among Betty’s presents from home staff was a pack of skincare cream, gifted as team members know she loves a little pampering and takes great care of her appearance.
When she opened the box and saw the label, a smiling Betty told party guests: “I love this brand, it’s what keeps me looking so young, you know.”
As well as cakes, bubbly and the singing of Happy Birthday, the party vibe included a surprise visit from the Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Winchester, Sudhakar and Vivian Achwal.
And the Mayor, who had also visited recently as part of the Worthy Road home’s 25th anniversary, was happy to oblige when Betty asked for a kiss on the cheek.
In her working life, Betty ran a hair and beauty salon in Andover for over 40 years with her husband.
After they sold the business, they bought a cottage in Hursley near Winchester. Later, Betty lived in one of the cottages in the grounds of Abbotts Barton and moved to the home itself two years ago.
Daphne, a former teacher and volunteer guide at Winchester Cathedral, has lived at Abbotts Barton for three years since moving from a retirement housing complex.
Her centenary celebrations included spending time with her four daughters, 15 grandchildren and 23 greatgrandchildren.
Daphne told guests she was very touched by the personal visit of the Mayor. “Now I really do feel like royalty,” she said.
Betty and Daphne are among seven centenarians at Abbotts Barton. The others are Chloe Tubbs, Marjorie Beaven, Russell McNeill, Ian Cave and Arthur Wilkinson. An eighth is due to arrive in April.
Home Manager Dee Lovewell said: “It has been a pleasure and a privilege to help Betty, Daphne and their families and friends celebrate their birthdays.”
When Betty was born 106 years ago in March 1920, horse-drawn carriages were still a common sight in the street along with gas lamps for lighting.
Britain was dealing with the realities of peacetime after the trauma of the First World War while still recovering from the Spanish Flu pandemic.
Dance halls, jazz clubs and seaside holidays were popular escapes and it would be another two years before the BBC was broadcasting radio into people’s homes.
