101st birthday celebrations at Heather View

Home news

Oct 05, 2017

A resident at Heather View celebrated her 101st birthday and revealed the secret to long life.

Birthday celebrations were in full swing at Heather View when resident Vera Pritchard celebrated her birthday. Vera turned 101 years ‘young’ on 5th September, and revealed the secret to a long life is to keep smiling.

To celebrate the special occasion, Vera was joined by her family and friends for a party at the home, where they enjoyed a selection of delicious treats and refreshments, and took part in a sing-along of some of her favourite songs.

The daughter of a pawn broker and a turf accountant, Vera was born in Peckham, where she grew up with her younger sister Ethel. Vera excelled as a Court Dressmaker, where she frequently dressed lords, ladies, countesses, and marchionesses, and made many garments for HRH Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent, during the 1930s. A particular highlight of Vera’s career was helping to prepare King George VI's train for his coronation in 1938.

Having lived with her sister for over 30 years, during which time they travelled together to many destinations such as New Zealand, the Norwegian Fjords, Yugoslavia and the Caribbean, Vera became a resident at Heather View in 2016. Since living at the home, Vera has enjoyed the frequent sing-alongs and visiting local gardening centres, as well as relaxing over an afternoon tea with her family.

Trish Banks, home manager at Heather View, said: “Residents are at the heart of everything we do here at Heather View, 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.

“Vera had a really wonderful 101st birthday, and we were thrilled to welcome her family for a special part to celebrate. Everyone here at the home had a great time joining in the festivities and we were delighted to mark this important milestone.”