Carlton House rest home resident Emma Perkins celebrates 100th birthday with family in New Milton

A FOREST woman who remembers seeing London’s Crystal Palace burn down in 1936 has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Emma Perkins marked the big day with a family meal at New Milton’s Naked Pantry and Quench cafe.

Born on 17th February 1924 Emma hails from West Norwood in south-east London.

During the Second World War, she married Richard ‘Dick’ Perkins and the couple went on to have two children, Christine and Graham. Richard and Emma were happily married until his death in 1994.

Emma worked in the civil service staff canteen in Whitehall, London, until her retirement in 1992.

In 2017, Emma moved to Barton to live with Graham until she began requiring more individual care.

She moved into Carlton House rest home in New Milton in April 2021, where her family say she is “happy, safe and well looked after”.

Carlton House’s activity co-ordinator Christie Rickard said: “For her birthday, Emma had two celebrations.

“One was with Carlton House where they were welcomed by the Naked Pantry and Quench in New Milton High Street, and one with her family where she went for a lovely meal with her son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

“She had a wonderful time at both and was, at times, overwhelmed by the love and kindness she received.

“The staff at Carlton House rest home are very fond of Emma – they admire her wicked sense of humour and her sensitivity towards her peers within the home.”