A resident at Prince George Duke of Kent Court, in Chislehurst, has celebrated her 104th birthday.

To mark the special milestone, resident Annie Hardy enjoyed celebrations earlier this month with her family, friends and staff at the Home. Annie and her fellow residents also enjoyed a visit from schoolchildren from Farrington School. The children performed an assembly and even sang Happy Birthday to Annie.

Anne received a cake, cards and flowers and Activities Coordinator Diane Connor organised a West End performer to come along and entertain residents.

Annie was born on 16 June 1919 in Rotherhithe. When the Second World War broke out, she accompanied her younger siblings to go and live with family in Wales. However, Annie returned to London to take her chances. She worked in a munitions factory, making bombs for the British army. When the war was over, Annie worked in the print and bookbinding industry until she retired almost 40 years ago.

Annie recalls her childhood fondly, having fun with her six siblings and visiting pie and mash shops in Rotherhithe and Tower Bridge Road. Annie has had a good family and circle of friends, with whom she travelled around the world. She has been to Brazil, Bulgaria, Italy and Spain, and enjoyed a trip on Concorde around the Bay of Biscay with champagne when she turned 80.

Earlier this year, knowing about her love for pie and mash, staff at the Home arranged a trip to London for Annie, where she was able to enjoy her favourite dish once again at Manze’s, in Deptford. Annie has lived at Prince George Duke of Kent Court since 2018.

Her secret to having a long and happy life? Annie simply says:

Good home-cooked food, keeping busy, working hard… and no debts.

[Summary: Annie Hardy, a resident at Prince George Duke of Kent Court, in Chislehurst, has celebrated her 104th birthday]