107th Birthday Celebrations

Celebrations have been in full swing at Wood Grange Care Home, in Bourne, as one of its residents reaches 107.

Ethel was joined by staff, relatives, and other residents as she received a telegram from the King in recognition of her landmark birthday. A champagne reception was held at the home and guests enjoyed a special birthday cake made by the home’s chef Radovan and decorated by one of the homes nurses, Simona.

Ethel was born in Doncaster and went onto live a remarkable life before coming to Wood Grange, where she has been enjoying a new chapter of her life since 2022. In 1940, she joined the RAF, where she became one of the first radar operators on the South Coast during the introduction of radar technology in the Second World War. Playing a vital role at a pivotal time in history. After the war, Ethel and husband James, built a loving family, welcoming a daughter and son. Over the years, her family grew to include five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Outside of her family, Ethel had a deep love for singing and to continue this love for music she sings her favourite songs every night to send herself to sleep. She cherished trips to the seaside and preferred peaceful, quiet places where she could relax.

The birthday girl said: The secret is having a glass of wine with lunch and dinner.

Helen Sharpe of Sharpe Shots kindly volunteered her time to capture beautiful photographs of the occasion. Everyone gathered to sing to Ethel, with a special performance from Dom Brister, leader of the Don’t Lose Hope Community and Shed Charity. The celebration was brightened by gold “107” balloons, generously donated by the local Card Factory.

An incredible 291 birthday cards have been received, with more still arriving, from local schools, nurseries, businesses and community members, many of them hand-crafted. When told, Ethel said “Heavens, but how can I thank all of them?”

The team at Wood Grange extended their sincere thanks to everyone who sent a card and helped make Ethel’s birthday so special.

Katya, General Manager of Barchester Wood Grange added: “We’re delighted to be celebrating a truly remarkable woman as she reaches this amazing milestone. Ethel is such a popular resident who always has an interesting tale to tell, and we look forward to hearing many more.”

Wood Grange care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Wood Grange provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 62 residents from respite care to long term stays.

click here for more details or to contact Barchester Wood Grange Care Home