Newbury resident reveals the secret to long life as she celebrates 100th birthday

Home news

Sep 03, 2020

A local care home resident has revealed her secret to reaching 100 is “looking after each other.”

Birthday celebrations were in full swing at Care UK’s Winchcombe Place, on Maple Crescent, when resident Betty Greenwood turned 100 years ‘young’ on 7th August. She believes that being strong, proved when she lived through World War Two, and ensuring everyone looks after each other has helped her reach this grand age. 

To celebrate her milestone birthday, Betty was joined by her friends at the care home and a member of her family for a special socially-distanced celebration. Everyone toasted her special day and enjoyed a slice of home-made birthday cake, specially made by the home’s second chef. 

Kerry Thompson, home manager at Winchcombe Place, said: “Betty is a well-loved resident here at Winchcombe Place, having moved in nearly five years ago. It’s fantastic to see her celebrating this incredible milestone with her friends here at the care home. She is a very happy person and has built lovely friendships with residents and the team. 

“Residents are at the heart of everything we do here at Winchcombe Place, and we always like to throw a party for special celebrations. Despite everything that has happened in recent months, we wanted to ensure Betty had a very special day. It was wonderful to raise a glass to her and celebrate this impressive milestone.”

Betty was born in Norwich in 1920, and worked as a telephonist at Norwich City Hall and College, before moving to the Eastern Daily Press to work on the switchboard. She went on to live in Newbury, and was one of the first ‘Bounty ladies’ to deliver the famous Bounty packs to new mums on maternity wards. She has three children, Susi, Helen and Jane, as well as five grandchildren. 

A keen traveller, Betty has visited most of Europe and has enjoyed trips further afield in places such as Zambia, Zimbabwe and Thailand. In her younger years, Betty also enjoyed riding horses, golfing and walking, and still enjoys watching sports, especially tennis, athletics and golf. 

Betty moved into Winchcombe Place in February 2016 and enjoys everyday life at the care home, always having a smile on her face – particularly when watching golf or having family visit. 

Winchcombe Place is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia and short-term respite care. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.

For more information about Winchcombe Place, please call customer relations manager, Vicki Lambourne, on 0333 321 1923, or email vicki.lambourne@careuk.com

For more general information about Winchcombe Place, please visit: careuk.com/winchcombe-place