Chelmsford care home resident says secret to a long life is ginger wine

 

A glass of ginger wine here and there could be the secret to a century of happiness, according to an Essex care home resident.

100-year-old Vera Bell, a resident at Care UK’s Manor Lodge, on Manor Road, shared her wisdom to mark her newly minted centenarian status as she celebrated her milestone birthday. 

Born in Whitstable, Kent, on 23^rd January 1925, Vera married her husband Ray in 1948. The couple lived in Rochester and welcomed their daughter, Susan, in 1950. Vera and Ray relocated to Chelmsford to live closer to Susan in 1987, to help raise their granddaughters, Joanne and Sally.

A passionate member of the Salvation Army, Vera’s commitment to community service has always been a cornerstone of her life. Vera spent 25 years as a volunteer with the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS), for which she received a long service medal.

In addition to her volunteering, Vera has always had a creative streak, enjoying knitting for various charities and gifting handmade items to loved ones. Vera passed her driving test at the age of 74, proving that it’s never too late to achieve something new. 

Vera’s milestone birthday was celebrated with a special party at Manor Lodge, surrounded by family members and friends, with a birthday cake provided by the home’s Head Chef.

Reflecting on her centenarian status, Vera shared her secret to living a long and happy life, saying: “I’ve always enjoyed helping others, keeping my sense of humour, and of course, the occasional ginger wine!”

Maggie Ziemianska, Home Manager at Manor Lodge, said: “Vera’s 100th birthday was a true celebration of her remarkable life. She is such a cherished member of the Manor Lodge community, and it was wonderful to see her surrounded by family and friends as we celebrated this special day. Her sense of humour and positive outlook have always been an inspiration to everyone here.”

Manor Lodge, rated ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), is a modern care home that provides full-time residential, dementia nursing and short-term respite care. Designed to enable its residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema, café and hair salon, and there is plenty of space, both indoors and out, for relaxation and recreation.