100 and 104-year-old Sutton Coldfield care home residents share secrets to a long and happy life

 

A 100-year-old and 104-year-old Sutton Coldfield care home residents celebrated their centenarian birthdays and revealed their secrets to living a long and happy life.

Two very special birthday celebrations took place at Care UK’s Bishops Manor, in Sutton Coldfield, when resident Florence Yule turned 100, and resident Bill Stockton turned 104 years ‘young’.

Reflecting on their combined 204 years of knowledge and wisdom, Florence, known by friends and family as Flossy, and Bill agreed that the secret to a long life is to “discover your favourite tipple and never stop enjoying it!” 

For Bill, this involves a “good glass of wine”, while Florence is more partial to a spirit, with gin and tonic being her go-to drink, but they must include “a healthy measure of gin!”

Flossy added: “A daily dose of humour and as much chocolate as I can get away with also helps!" 

To mark their birthday milestones, the care home team went above and beyond to organise a joint surprise party, where Bill and Flossy were joined by friends and family. The lounge was decorated with balloons and banners, and the home’s head chef baked an extra special ‘204’ birthday cake and cupcakes to celebrate.

Flossy who refers to herself as “a real brummie” was born on 9 November 1924 in Birmingham and has lived there her whole life. During her younger years, Flossy worked as a power press operator and could often be found dancing in her spare time, something she still loves to do now. 

Flossie said: “To be a brummie is to have a bit of grit and to wear it like a badge; we don’t put on airs, and we know the value of a day’s work. Dancing brings people together, too, no matter their background or skill; it’s a universal language that everyone can share.”

Flossy met her husband, David, in 1940, and was married for 45 years until he passed away. Although they had no children together, Flossy is close with her nephew, Darrin, who often visits her at Bishops Manor. Commenting on his aunty, Darrin, said: “Aunt Flossy has always had a zest for life and she reminds us all to live a little, laugh a lot, and always keep the chocolate stash well-stocked!”

Four years prior, Bill was born on 15 November 1920 in Sutton Coldfield. Bill travelled around the world serving as a medic in World War II. During his travels, Bill met his wife, 93-year-old Cynthia Stockton, also a resident at Bishops Manor, and the two have been married for 69 years. At the care home, the two are often referred to by themselves and the team as ‘Mum and Dad’. Together they have one son, Martin, who alongside his wife, Fran, regularly visits the couple at the home and often takes part in the home’s activities and events – much to his parent’s joy.

Commenting on reaching 104, Bill said: “I feel privileged to have reached this ripe old age with my wife by my side. My family kept me busy and my love for life kept me inspired – but a good glass of wine always helps too! I’ve had a whole lot of luck, plenty of adventures, and, of course, my beloved wife Cynthia is my greatest source of strength and joy.”

Thomas Bampfield, General Manager at Bishops Manor: “Here at Bishops Manor, we love any excuse for a party – so Flossy and Bill’s birthdays certainly called for double the celebrations and double the fun!

“It was fantastic to help celebrate these incredible milestones for them both alongside their friends and family and raise a large glass of wine – or gin and tonic, to their 204 years! Happy birthday, both!”

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Bishops Manor incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The building has been designed to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.