“Good genes!” Maidstone care home resident shares secret to long life on her 100th birthday

A resident at a care home in Maidstone celebrated her 100^th birthday with a very special party. 

A very special celebration took place at Care UK’s Invicta Court, on Gidd’s Pond Way, when resident Margaret Norman, turned 100 years ‘young’ on 6^th January. 

For Margaret’s milestone birthday, the home team organised an afternoon tea party, surrounded by her friends at Invicta Court, and complete with balloons, banners and a special birthday cake, baked by the home’s talented head chef, for everyone to enjoy.  

Margaret was born on 6^th January 1924 in Bermondsey, in southeast London. After leaving school, Margaret began her working career as a shorthand typist where she worked for the local home guard unit during World War Two. After the War, she became a cook at a local school, where she spent many years making meals for secondary school children. 

Margaret married her late husband, Ernie, in August 1946, and they had two sons, Brian and Bernard. She has two grandchildren, Danny and Greg, and two great-grandchildren, Lenny and Tilly, who often visit Margaret at Invicta Court. 

Commenting on her secret to reaching 100 years old, Margaret summarised: “It’s all about good genes!” 

Sara Barbosa, Home Manager at Invicta Court, said: “Margaret is a much-loved resident at Invicta Court, and it was fantastic to help her celebrate this incredible milestone with her friends and family.  

“Here at Invicta Court, everything we do is focused on our ethos of ensuring residents live active and fulfilling lives, so we always like to celebrate important milestones – and Margaret’s 100^th birthday was no exception. It was lovely to raise a glass together on her special day and celebrate the day in style with her extended family here at Invicta Court. Happy birthday Margaret!”

Invicta Court offers a full range of permanent residential care and short-term respite in luxurious surroundings, including a café, hair and beauty salon, bar and cinema. The highly trained, professional team also delivers specialist dementia care.