Celebrating a Century: Lucy Brown Turns 100 at Alma Barn Lodge Care Home

Lucy Brown, a cherished resident of Alma Barn Lodge Care Home, marked a remarkable milestone as she turned 100 years young on April 23, 2024. Surrounded by love, surprises, and the warmth of community, Lucy’s centennial celebration was a day to remember.

The day commenced with a surprise by Laura the hairdresser who pampered Lucy with a hair wash, blow dry, and adorned her with a sparkly Tiara and sash. Stepping into the foyer, Lucy was greeted by the heartwarming sight of 40 primary school children from Didcot Primary Academy, singing songs from her era and serenading her with heartfelt renditions of “Happy Birthday.” The children have been practicing since March for this occasion so that they were word prefect and could give their best performance.

The lounge was transformed into a festive haven with banners, balloons, and fresh flowers, setting the stage for a celebratory lunch and afternoon tea shared with Lucy’s loved ones. The joy and astonishment on Lucy’s face were palpable as she soaked in the love and laughter that filled the room.

“Lucy’s birthday is not just a celebration of her life, but a testament to the bonds we share as a community,” said Su Heller, home manager at Alma Barn Lodge Care Home.

Family and friends, who had journeyed from various parts of the country including Somerset, South Wales, and Bristol, arrived to share in Lucy’s special day. Their presence was a surprise orchestrated by the activity coordinator, who had meticulously planned every detail with the family over weeks of anticipation.

“Reflecting on the day, Sarah Scrivener, the choir teacher, expressed her gratitude for being a part of Lucy’s special day, saying “It was an honor and privilege to be part of Lucy’s birthday celebrations. We wish her all the very best.” While Melaine Quinn, a volunteer mum, shared her pride in witnessing her daughter, Felicity, help make a difference in someone’s life. “The whole experience had been amazing. It was lovely to meet Lucy and hear about her life,” said Felicity Quinn, aged 8, a pupil at Didcot Primary Academy.

As tokens of appreciation, Lucy was presented with a bouquet of her favorite yellow roses from Su Heller, and a beautifully crafted birthday cake made by Tracy Shayler, the assistant chef, whose passion for baking added an extra layer of sweetness to the occasion.

When asked about the secret to her long and vibrant life, Lucy humorously replied, “Yorkshire tea and whiskey,” capturing the essence of her spirited personality.

Amidst a flurry of cards, gifts, and flowers from family, friends, residents, and the wider community, Lucy’s room resembled a vibrant garden, a testament to the love and affection she has garnered over the years.

In the words of Su Heller, home manager at Alma Barn Lodge Care Home, “Today, as we celebrate Alma Barn resident’s 100th birthday, we are reminded that every member of our care home is not just a resident, but a cherished part of our extended family. Here’s to a life well-lived and the joy of sharing this special milestone together.”