Bowes House resident reveals the secret to long life as she celebrates 106th birthday

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May 18, 2017

A resident at Bowes House celebrated her 106th birthday with the help of the local fire brigade.

Birthday celebrations were in full swing at Bowes House when resident Georgina White celebrated her 106th birthday. Georgina turned 106 years ‘young’ on 12th May, and revealed the secret to a long life is remaining active and positive.

To celebrate this milestone birthday, Georgina was joined by family, friends and residents for a party hosted by the team at the care home. To top off the celebrations, the East Sussex Fire Service joined Georgina for afternoon tea with special entertainment.

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.

Helena Barrow, home manager at Bowes House, said: “Residents are at the heart of everything we do here at Bowes House and we always like to make an occasion of important milestones such as birthdays. Georgina enjoyed the special party last year, so to mark her 106th birthday this year, we wanted to surprise her with something exciting. Georgina had a really wonderful time celebrating with her family and friends, and we were delighted to welcome the East Sussex Fire Service who helped make the day even more special.”