105-year-old woman celebrates birthday at South Croydon care home

Residents, staff and family members at RMBI Care Co. Home James Terry Court, in South Croydon, have come together to celebrate a very special milestone: a much-loved resident, Marjorie Pat Hamilton, has just turned 105.

Pat was born in Tulse Hill, between Brixton and Streatham, in 1920, only two years after the end of the First World War. “My father saved his Army wages after the War and bought our family home,” she recalls. “I lived there until I was 13, when he sadly passed away. Life changed after that, but we always stayed close as a family.”

At around 19 years old, Pat was called up to support the Second World War effort. She remembers being given three options: join the ambulance service, work in the gas service, or take a role in an ammunitions factory. “I tried the gas service for one day,” she laughs. “Just one! I knew straight away I would never do that again.” Instead, she joined the ambulance service as a driver and says she found the work meaningful.

Pat married her husband, Mac, in 1941, and their daughter Brenda was born in 1944. Although she stopped working after she married, Pat’s life was full of adventure, moving 23 times due to Mac’s career. One of her fondest memories is their time living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. “I taught English and etiquette to children,” she says. “I always say it was like being Anna in The King and I! It was wonderful.”

When asked about the secret to reaching 105, Pat shrugs gently. “There isn’t one,” she says. “I was born at just two and a half pounds, and my twin sister sadly died at birth. I’ve just been very lucky.”

Pat says she is very happy at James Terry Court. “The staff here are lovely,” she smiles. “They’re always on hand to help, and it really feels like home.”

To celebrate her remarkable birthday, Pat’s family have flown in from America, New Zealand and Australia. James Terry Court hosted a party in the lounge, complete with a singer for all to enjoy together.

RMBI Care Co. James Terry Court, in South Croydon, is run by RMBI Care Co., is part of the Masonic Charitable Foundation. For more information, please visit: http://www.rmbi.org.uk/

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