Prince George Duke of Kent Court resident celebrates 100th birthday among family and friends

A resident at Prince George Duke of Kent Court, in Chislehurst, has celebrated her 100^th birthday.

To mark the special milestone, resident Margaret Josie Lewis (known as Josie) enjoyed a celebration with her family, fellow residents and staff at the Home. Josie received two birthday cakes, flowers and a card from King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla.

Josie was born in Walsall in the West Midlands on September 1923. She was an only child; her mother was a housemaid for rich family in a large house, and her father owned a sweet shop. Josie’s first job was in a shoe shop when she was young woman.

Josie joined the Women’s Royal Air Force when the Second World War broke out. During this period, she was based at Desborough Air Force Base and speaks proudly of her job, which involved fixing Wellington Bombers and Spitfire Planes. It is here where she met her soon to be husband, Ernest.

Resident Josie with her husband Ernest on their wedding day.

Ernest was stationed abroad and his last posting was at Desborough where he met Josie. He was released from the Armed Forces, and used his time to travel to see Josie. They were married for 68 years and spent their married life living in Blackheath. Here, Josie concentrated on bringing up their five sons, while Ernest was running a transport business.

Josie now has 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. In her spare time, Josie likes to keep up with current affairs and still reads a daily newspaper. She thoroughly enjoyed her party at the Home, and seeing her family.

Celebrating on reaching this milestone birthday, Josie said: