Prince George Duke of Kent Court resident shares memories and wisdom for her 106th birthday

Above: (Left) Resident Annie celebrates her 106th birthday at Prince George Duke of Kent Court, in Chislehurst. (Right) Annie as a 16 year old bridesmaid.

A remarkable resident at Prince George Duke of Kent Court, in Chislehurst, has celebrated her 106th birthday with a joyful party surrounded by residents, staff, friends and family.

Annie Hardy, who has lived at the Home since 2018, enjoyed a lively celebration to mark her incredible milestone. The festivities included a special performance from singer Maxine, who soon had everyone joining in for a singalong and even some dancing.

Annie received a host of thoughtful presents, including a brand-new, comfortable wheelchair, along with cards (including one from the King and Queen Consort), flowers and well wishes from those who know and love her.

An eventful life

Born on 16 June 1919 in Rotherhithe, Annie arrived just months after the end of the First World War, at a time when the world was beginning to rebuild. Since then, she has lived through more than a century of change. During the Second World War, she helped care for her younger siblings in Wales before returning to London to work in a munitions factory, making bombs for the British army. After the war, she spent many years in the print and bookbinding industry before retiring nearly 40 years ago.

Annie looks back fondly on her childhood spent with her six siblings, enjoying simple pleasures like pie and mash from shops in Rotherhithe and Tower Bridge Road. A keen traveller in later life, she visited destinations including Brazil, Bulgaria, Italy and Spain, and famously celebrated her 80th birthday with a Concorde flight over the Bay of Biscay, champagne included.

Her secret to a long and happy life? Annie says it’s simple:

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 106th birthday.]