At New Copford Place care home in Colchester, resident Marjorie Wood has celebrated her landmark 101st birthday with a special colour themed afternoon high tea party.
Marjorie was born on 12th November 1919 – the year the Treaty of Versailles was signed ending World War I and a year after the great influenza pandemic of 1918.
She had a happy childhood growing up in Tooting, South London and married Dick Wood in 1948. They have two children, Peter and Yvonne and Marjorie is a proud Grandmother and Great Grandmother to five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Due to lockdown restrictions, Marjorie’s birthday party was a care home-wide celebration, but everyone had a fun-filled time enjoying a delicious home-made afternoon high tea which included a range of scrumptious cakes. The lounge was adorned with beautiful pink and white party decorations, as pink is one of Marjorie’s favourite colours. Throughout the birthday party, Marjorie’s favourite war songs were played.
Marjorie said: “I was in my 20s during World War II and have many fond memories of the dances I went to and songs that were around then. I particularly like the Lambeth Walk, it’s a great tune.”
Marjorie has been a resident at New Copford Place for nearly seven years. She is a much-loved member of the Friends of the Elderly family and staff were delighted to host the birthday party to celebrate.
Marjorie continued: “So much has changed in the world during my 101 years. When I think back to working in our local Tooting pharmacy, it really shows how times have changed. I remember during the war my boss Eddie and I accidently became novice nurses as people would come in with pieces of glass in their eyes due to the bombing raids. I used to help Eddie take the shards out as nobody else at the pharmacy had the stomach for it.
“Shopping for clothes has changed so much too. I used to love making my own dresses, I really enjoyed that. I also use to make my son’s trousers. I made them without zip, not like how it is done today,” she giggled.
Marjorie added: “To think, the year I was born the Treaty of Versailles was signed, ending World War I. It’s amazing how time really does fly. I remember reading that Eva Perón, Nat King Cole, Sir Edmund Hillary and even Dr Who, Jon Pertwee were born the same year as me. So I’m in good company.
“I’m so lucky. The care home team went to so much trouble to make my 101st birthday so lovely and special, I didn’t think anything could top my 100th Birthday, but this has definitely come close – I’ve had a wonderful time.”
Set in the picturesque Essex village of Copford, near Colchester, New Copford Place is a purpose-built residential care home, staffed by a committed and enthusiastic team.
Find out more by calling 01206 210 397 or emailing enquiries@fote.org.uk.