‘Music has kept me going’ Connaught Court resident says on her 101st birthday

A resident at Connaught Court, in York, has celebrated her 101st birthday.

Constance Ireland (known as Connie) enjoyed a sherry morning celebration with fellow residents and staff at the Home, and a homemade lemon cake with her family in the afternoon.

Connie was born in September 1921 in Luton. She was the only child of George, a painter and decorator, and Edith, a nursemaid and later, a school dinner lady.

At 14 years old, Connie left school to become an apprentice in ladies fashion, working in a family run department store in Luton. She worked in the industry until she was in her 60’s. Connie met her husband Tony when she was called up into the Auxiliary Territorial Service during WW2. They settled in Hull and had two children, before moving to Plymouth in 1972. Connie worked successfully in local boutique fashion stores, putting to use her experience and knowledge.

Constance Ireland aged 17 years old in 1938

In June 2017, Connie sadly lost Tony, just before their 69th wedding anniversary. She moved back to Yorkshire to be closer to her family and moved to Connaught Court in October 2017. She is one of eight centenarians living at the Home.

Music has always been a very big part of life’s pleasures for Connie. As a child she started singing, and it is also how she met her husband, during WW2. Connie continued singing throughout her life, which she feels has been good for her overall health and fitness. This includes participating in large choirs, madrigal groups, solo and festival works.

Connie and Tony, along with close friends, formed the Parkland Quartet performing many concerts across North and East Yorkshire and undertaking some BBC radio broadcasts. She continues to enjoy classical and big band music, as well as going to the theatre, concerts and to the coast.

Constance Ireland dancing with her husband Tony in the early 1950s.

Connie is well travelled, enjoying a round the world trip with Tony in 1991, as well as cruises, and many wonderful British holidays.

Her secret to having a long and happy life? She said:

It must be the music that keeps me going! I’ve got to keep up with my family, and keep going!

Fran Tagg, one of the Activities Coordinators at Connaught Court, said:

Connie is a well-loved and sociable lady at Connaught Court, taking part in our music and singing activities, which she always enjoys, and the odd sherry. We loved celebrating her 101st birthday at our Home.

Connie has two children, Kathryn and Roger, Sarah, her grandchildren, Emma and Charlotte, and two great grandchildren, Scarlett and Beatrix, who keep her entertained.

[Summary: Resident Connie Ireland at RMBI Care Co. Home Connaught Court, in York, has celebrated her 101st birthday. She enjoyed a sherry morning celebration with fellow residents and staff at the Home, and a homemade lemon cake with her family in the afternoon.]