Stansted 100-year-old reveals champagne is the secret to a long life

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Jan 17, 2020

A resident at a care home in Stansted has celebrated her 100^th birthday, attributing her long and happy life to having a sense of humour, and enjoying a glass of bubbly.

Phyllis Hedges celebrated the impressive milestone with family members, friends and residents at Mountfitchet House on Coltsfield on Friday 10^th January. Her centenarian status was marked with an afternoon tea and the champagne was certainly flowing when Phyllis was presented with her official telegram from the Queen.

Revealing the secret to living to 100, Phyllis said: “It’s very simple. Keeping a sense of humour is key, and so is a glass of bubbly every now and again!”

Ellie Kemp, deputy home manager at Mountfitchet House, said: “We always like to make an occasion of birthdays, and Phyllis’ 100^th was no exception. She has made many friends here, all of whom enjoyed celebrating with her.

“Her secret is something we can all learn from; she certainly has a fantastic sense of humour!

“It was a pleasure to be able to join Phyllis and her family for such a wonderful occasion and to raise a glass for her 100^th birthday.”

Phyllis, who was one of three children, was born in Fareham in 1920 to Eddie and Beattie Hayward. Leaving school at 14, Phyllis’ worked in a sewing room, before joining the Women's Auxiliary Air Force and moving to Calshott during the Second World War.

When the war was over, Phyllis returned home where she met her husband, Steve, an officer in the Royal Navy. Soon after marrying, the couple were posted to Malta, where they lived for two years before returning to England.

Now living at Mountfitchet House, Phyllis has a daughter named Julia, and two grandsons, named Andrew and Edward.

Mountfitchet House has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home provides full-time residential and nursing care, as well as short-term respite.

For more information about the event, please call deputy home manager, Ellie Kemp on 01279 882 417 or email esther.kemp@careuk.com

For more general information on Mountfitchet House, please go to careuk.com/mountfitchet-house