Ex-RAF nurse Anne Burchell celebrates 100th birthday with RAF nurses at Colten Care’s Court Lodge in Lymington
AN ex-RAF nursing officer was given a 100th birthday surprise when three serving military nurses in uniform wished her well.
Centenarian Anne Burchell was all smiles as she welcomed Laura Rutter, Pauline Ibarra and Elisa Iannidinardi to her celebrations in the lounge of Colten Care’s Court Lodge in Lymington.
Secretly arranged by Anne’s granddaughter, the visit gave Anne the chance to reflect on how the RAF and military nursing has changed over the years.
“It took me completely by surprise,” Anne said. “It was wonderful to spend an hour discussing the differences between nursing in the RAF today and my time, which was around 70years ago.
“I enjoyed seeing the new uniform and how smart the ladies looked, as well as how confident they were.”
Born in Poole in 1925, Anne joined the Princess Mary’s RAF Nursing Service in 1947 after completing her nursing training at Middlesex Hospital.
She went on to spend 12 years as an RAF nursing officer, serving for two years in Singapore, two years in Germany, and six months on an aircraft carrier, as well as at numerous hospitals throughout Britain.
After retiring she did voluntary work, travelled internationally with her husband Frederick, and enjoyed hobbies such as tennis, bowling and gardening.
Anne’s surprise visit from the nurses was followed by lunch at The Haven restaurant in Lymington with family members who came from France, Scotland and London to be with her.
Companionship team members at Court Lodge also arranged a birthday lunch for another day at the Captain’s Club Hotel and Spa in Christchurch.
Court Lodge care team leader Julia Puia said: “Anne mentioned to us how much she would love to return to the Captain’s 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. 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.”
