“Have a sherry now and again” – Sway resident reveals the secret to living a long life on 100th birthday

A Sway care home resident has already made 2024 a memorable year by celebrating her 100^th birthday.

A very special birthday celebration took place a Care UK’s Sway Place, on Church Lane, when resident Irene Ryall turned 100 years ‘young’.

Enjoying the special day with a slice of birthday cake and surrounded by friends and family, the team threw a spectacular party to ensure Irene enjoyed a celebration to remember.

Revealing the secret to a long and happy life, Irene said: “Have a sherry now and again, but most importantly always smile and be happy”.

Irene was born on 4^th January 1924 in London. She has always loved clothes and was very particular about the way she dressed from a young age, which led to her pursuing a career in retail. Later in life she changed careers and worked for the Ministry of Defence as a clerical assistant until she retired.

Irene married William Ryall and their favourite thing to do was to go travelling together in their motorbike and sidecar. Together, the couple had one son called Jim. William sadly passed away in 1982.

Irene has three grandchildren and loved helping to take care of them as children.

Irene’s son Jim said: “She is the most loving and kind mum, mother-in-law, and Nan and Grand-Nan you could ever wish to have and is loved by all her family dearly”.

Jane Baxter, General Manager at Sway Place said: “Irene has been living at Sway Place for two years now and is a much-loved resident. It was wonderful to celebrate such a huge milestone with her.

“Here at Sway Place, we strive to help residents live fulfilling lives which includes marking special occasions – Irene’s 100^th birthday certainly called for celebration. 

“It was fantastic to help Irene celebrate this incredible occasion with her family and friends and to raise a glass of sherry to her, cheers to Irene!” 

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Sway Place incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The home provides full-time residential care, dementia care and respite care. The layout of the building is configured into a series of individual suites, and 14 independent living cottages, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.