Double delight as care home holds 100th and 104th birthday parties

A NEW Milton care home had a double celebration when a pair of centenarian residents marked two big birthdays within days of one another.

Parties were held at Kingfishers for Irene Harris, who marked her 104th and is one of the oldest people in Hampshire, and for the younger Marjorie Nutton who reached her 100th.

Staff took extra Covid-19 precautions to ensure both days could go with a bang, with Marjorie enjoying a visit from her son, David, as the highlight of her day. Cakes were baked and both were presented with cards and flowers.

Great-grandmother Irene had a 1960s themed party thrown for her in which she enjoyed singing along to her favourite song, Nancy Sinatra’s hit These Boots are Made for Walkin’.

From the age of 75 to 90 Irene was a volunteer at the Marie Curie shop in Highcliffe. Asked for the secret of her longevity, she said: “I must have inherited that from my parents, but I know that no salt and lots of fresh air will also do you good.”

Kingfishers home manager Beata Brzozowska said: “It was a privilege to help Irene celebrate her special day. She is truly a remarkable lady.”

Fellow great-grandmother Marjorie said of her 100th celebrations: “I loved everything about my birthday, especially seeing my son and receiving the card from Her Majesty the Queen.”

Born in Warrington, Lancashire, Marjorie became on office worker in London before joining the joining the Auxiliary Territorial Service during the Second World War.

After the war she juggled secretarial work with family life bringing up four children. She now has four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Rose Arcellana, companionship team leader at the home, which is run by Colten Care, said: “Marjorie looked beautiful, and it was an honour to help her celebrate. She is truly a very special lady.”