Cornwallis Court resident celebrates 103rd birthday

A resident at Cornwallis Court, in Bury St Edmunds, has celebrated her 103^rd birthday.

To mark the special event, staff set up a gazebo in the Home’s garden and Joan enjoyed a special visit from her son, Nigel, granddaughter Rebecca and great grandson Arthur, who is seven months old.

In line with government guidance, care home residents can now receive visits from two regular family members, with babies and children under age 11 not counted towards the maximum number of people allowed to visit.

Joan also enjoyed a birthday afternoon tea with fellow residents and staff within her house group bubble and residents toasted with a glass of bubbly.

Joan was born on 7 May 1918 in Bury St Edmunds. She has lived at Cornwallis Court since January 2019. Joan originally came for a respite stay but enjoyed the company so much, she moved to the Home permanently.

Joan married her husband Don at aged 19. Don worked for Lloyds Bank and they had two sons, Nigel and David. During the Second World War, Joan worked for the Government. She was based along the south coast due to the movement of ships and her work fell under the Official Secrets Act.

Joan and her husband lived in various locations including Cambridge. The couple liked to play tennis and enjoyed holidays along the south coast and the Shetland Isles.

Her son Nigel, visits Joan regularly at Cornwallis Court. Her son David is based in Canada but they speak regularly through phone calls.

When staff asked her how she felt turning 103, disbelieving of her age, Joan  simply said:

Well I don’t feel it.

Cornwallis Court Activities Coordinator, Emma Gibson, said:

Joan was thrilled to meet her family on her 103^rd birthday; it was an emotional feeling for all of us seeing them together. Our residents also had a wonderful time raising a toast to Joan on her special day.