Adderbury care home resident celebrates landmark birthday with 100 cakes

Last year for her 99th birthday Alison wanted to celebrate by 'dancing with a strapping man,' so Dan Hayes, the CEO of The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT), who operates the Lake House, made her wish come true by dancing the waltz with her.

This year, Alison celebrated her big day with her friends and carers at the Lake House Care Home, along with a socially distanced visit from Sue.

Celebrations for the big day, Thursday July 9, included a party featuring Alison’s favourite songs, 100 cakes made by Alison’s granddaughter for an afternoon tea, and a presentation of a ‘This is Your Life’ album, compiled by Alison’s family.

Members of the local community sent videos of celebratory dances in Alison’s honour via social media and these were shared with the birthday girl.

Alison was born in Moreton-on-Marsh in 1920, into a family of nine. She was a land girl during the war and went on to enjoy a varied career including running a village shop, working in a knitting needle factory and caring in an assisted living facility. She also dealt in antiques, an interest she shared with her late husband, Bill whom she met at a dance in 1950. The couple married on November 1, 1952, and lived at Broughton Road, Banbury.

Along with her daughter Sue, Alison has three granddaughters and one great-granddaughter who have been keeping in touch during lockdown with frequent video calls and socially distanced visits.

Of her special day Alison said: “I’ve had a wonderful time. Everyone has been so kind and I can’t believe it has all been for me. The gifts and flowers kept coming, and I even got a card from the Queen. I was especially pleased to see some of my family, even if it has been socially distanced.”

OSJCT Lake House Home Manager, Alexandra Grindle, said: “We are like family here at Lake House so we all wanted to give Alison the best day we could under the current circumstances. Alison’s had a great day and we are privileged to have shared it with her.”

When asked how it felt to turn 100, Alison said: “I don’t think I feel any different to when I turned 70. But I’m delighted to be here celebrating my 100th birthday with everyone at Lake House.”

And Alison revealed her secret to a long life, and said: "I don’t drink any alcohol, I never have and never will. And I’ve never been afraid of hard work.”