Bowes House resident reveals the secret to a long life as she celebrates 105th birthday

Home news

Jun 01, 2016

Birthday celebrations were in full swing at Care UK’s Bowes House care home in Hailsham when resident Georgina White celebrated her 105th birthday. 

Georgina turned 105 years ‘young’ on 12th May and revealed the secret to a long life is remaining active and positive. 

To commemorate the very special occasion, Georgina was joined by family, friends and residents for a party hosted by the team at the care home on Battle Road.  

Highlights throughout the day included a birthday card from The Queen and a cake which had been specially baked by the care home’s award-winning head chef Marc Beckett. There were also balloons and party poppers, and residents and visitors enjoyed singing ‘old-time’ songs which got everyone in the party spirit. 

Born in Chiswick on 12th May 1911, Georgina White moved to the Eastbourne area aged just three months and has lived there ever since. 

During World War Two, Georgina held the role of billeting officer and was responsible for finding homes for evacuee children. After the war, she went to work for a local family jewellers in Eastbourne called Brufords and then she then worked for a local bakery delivering cakes to the local area.  

Georgina married her beloved late husband, Doug, at the Presbyterian Church in Eastbourne and they had a son, Russell, and a step-son, Ray. Georgina also has four grandchildren and five great grandchildren, with her family now spanning five generations. 

An animal lover since a young age, Georgina had a little dog when she was nine years old. Georgina has always remained active, she was president of the East Sussex Bowls Club and enjoyed playing bowls for over 78 years, she also enjoyed playing cards. 

Helena Barrow, home manager at Bowes House, said: “Residents are at the heart of everything we do here at Bowes House care home, and we always take the time to commemorate birthdays and anniversaries. In particular, we think it is important to involve friends and loved ones in such important events and to keep to any traditions residents may have around special days. Georgina had a really wonderful 105th birthday and everyone had a fun time joining in the celebrations.”