The secret to living a long life, according to Ipswich centenarian

 

A resident at a care home in Ipswich gave valuable life advice as she toasted a special milestone.  

Catherine Riches celebrated her 100^th birthday in style at Care UK’s Prince George House, on Mansbrook Boulevard, and attributed her impressive longevity to her love of sherry and chocolate.

Cath was born in Coventry on 4^th September 1924. Her father’s work as an engineer for Ford Motor Company meant the family moved around, living in Brentwood, Danbury, Great Baddow and Martlesham Heath.

Cath’s family were thrilled when she was awarded a scholarship to attend Ursuline High School, in Wimbledon, and went on to work in waste returns for Ilford Photo, a manufacturer of photographic materials, in the Selo Factory, in Brentwood. 

In 1946, Cath married John Riches, and they later raised three children together; Michael, Allan, and Anne. They are now proud grandparents to David, Louise, and Andrew, and to four great grandchildren, Chloe, Layla, Henri, and Elinor.

In her younger years, Cath was a keen singer and dancer. She enjoyed playing tennis and golf and going for long walks. After having children, Cath worked part time as an estate agent for Provident Housing in Brentwood.

When Cath was asked how she felt about celebrating her 100^th birthday, she said: “A mixture of shock, disbelief, denial and occasionally acceptance!”

Cath also shared her secret to living a long life: “A daily dose of sherry and chocolate!”

On the day, the team at Prince George House hosted a special party for Cath and her family, complete with a birthday cake prepared by the Head Chef, and of course – a glass of sherry and some chocolate.

Luminita Triff, Home Manager at Prince George House, said: “It was an honour to celebrate Cath’s birthday with her family. She is a beloved resident at Prince George House, and we all had a wonderful time celebrating this tremendous milestone.

“Everything we do centres around supporting residents to live happy and fulfilling lives, which is why we are always eager to mark special occasions. Cath’s 100^th birthday was no exception, and it was a delight to hear her advice for living a long and happy life. Let’s all raise a glass (of sherry!) to Cath.”

Prince George House is a modern purpose-built care home providing full-time residential, nursing, and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has a choice of lounges and dining rooms, along with facilities such as an activity room, cinema and hair salon.