Friars Mead care home in Kings Langley, managed by the Abbeyfield Hertfordshire Residential Care Society, was in a festive mood last week as they celebrated the 100th birthday of resident Iris Telling.
Born in Berkhamsted, where she has lived for most of her life, Iris was married in 1940 to her late husband, with whom she had three children.
Friars Mead, hosted a socially distanced garden party in Iris’ honour, with Iris, her two sons and her brother able to meet for the first time in over a year.
The three-layered cake was provided by Waitrose, who also sent Iris a card, and fellow residents watched on from the comfort of their lounge and ‘delivered’ their own cards and good wishes.
Elsie Thomas, who turned 100 in January, greeted Iris with the words “welcome to my club”, with staff joking that both of them together exhibited “200 years of experience, love and adventure.”
Iris also treated everyone to the secret of her long life, with staying occupied – which has been particularly challenging during the pandemic – the key element. She credited her longevity to “Good genes, a loving family, and keeping my brain active with puzzles and reading.”
Iris is indeed famed in Friars Mead for her mental agility. Staff member Debbie Carrington remarked, “I can never quite believe that Iris is 100 as her independence and ability always amazes me. She can still complete thousand-piece jigsaw puzzles and is a pleasure to have around.”
The festivities at Friars Mead continued until the end of the week with a tea dance – with dancing Iris’ favourite thing to do – accompanied by glasses of cherry and champagne.
0 Comments