A former RAF Nursing Officer enjoyed a 100th birthday surprise when three serving military nurses came to wish her well in uniform.
Centenarian Anne Burchell was all smiles as she welcomed Laura Rutter, Pauline Ibarra and Elisa Iannidinardi to the lounge of her Lymington care home, Colten Care’s Court Lodge.
The visit, secretly arranged by Anne’s granddaughter, provided a happy opportunity to compare the past and present RAF and was among a series of birthday activities.
“It took me completely by surprise, said Anne. “It was wonderful to spend an hour discussing the differences between nursing in the RAF today and my time sixty to seventy years ago.
“I enjoyed seeing the new uniform and how smart the ladies looked, as well as how confident they were.”
Born in Branksome, Poole, in 1925, Anne joined the Princess Mary’s Royal Air Force Nursing Service (PMRAFNS) in 1947 after completing her nurse training at Middlesex Hospital.
She went on to spend 12 years as an RAF Nursing Officer with two years’ service in Singapore, two in Germany and six months on an aircraft carrier. She also nursed at numerous hospitals throughout Britain.
After she retired from nursing, she did voluntary work and, with husband Frederick, travelled all over the UK and across the world and followed her hobbies of tennis, bowling and gardening.
The birthday call by the serving RAF nurses was just the start of Anne’s birthday celebrations. It was followed by lunch out at The Haven restaurant in Lymington with family members who travelled from France, Scotland and London to be with her on her big day.
Companionship Team members at Court Lodge also arranged a special treat, a birthday lunch on a separate day at The Captains Club Hotel & Spa in Christchurch.
Team Leader Julia Puia said: “Anne mentioned to us how much she would love to return to The Captains Club. She used to visit the hotel regularly and have weekends away there by the river as it made her relax and she enjoyed the beautiful views.
“With this in mind we planned a birthday lunch with a few of her friends from Court Lodge. She had a wonderful time with Gweneth, June and Lesley, and had a nice walk along the river, reminiscing on her past visits and how lovely it was to be there again.”
Anne said: “The food was exceptional, just how I remember it, and that beautiful sunshine sitting in the window made my day. I thank everyone at Court Lodge for taking the time to plan it.”
Court Lodge Home Manager Rebecca Hannam added: “Anne is recognised by the Court Lodge team as being very tech savvy for a 100-year-old and keeps in touch with family using her iPad and phone.”
