Castle View Resident Mildred Takes To The Airwaves On Her 102nd Birthday
With great charm and poise, Castle View resident, 102-year-old Mildred Earnshaw, breezed through an interview with Manx Radio alongside His Excellency Lieutenant Governor, Sir John Lorimer.
Celebrating resident Mildred’s 102nd birthday was something the team at Castle View Care Home in Peel on the Isle of Man were keen to do in style and it was a day to remember for many reasons.
Hair Styled, Decorations Set, Flowers On Display– It’s Mildred’s Big Day
Mildred's big day began in much the same way as any other day - with breakfast - followed by a trip to the hairdresser in the salon upstairs, emerging freshly styled and feeling pampered for the day ahead. Later that afternoon her granddaughter Sam and daughter in law arrived and helped Mildred change into to something special for the birthday party.
Meanwhile, the Activities team had completed a beautiful transformation of the lounge, hanging bunting, arranging pink and rose gold balloons, and creating a chic table setting which featured delicate, long-stemmed rose decorations. It was the perfect backdrop for the cards, gifts and numerous bouquets of flowers that had been brought for Mildred - in fact she received so many flowers, she gave a bouquet to the home to put in the community café, which was a lovely gesture.
A Very Special Guest and A Radio Interview
Excitement began to build as the lounge filled with residents and Castle View team members who welcomed Mildred with hearty applause as she entered. Simon Richardson from Manx Radio was there to capture the celebration and to interview Mildred alongside a very special guest - His Excellency Lieutenant Governor, Sir John Lorimer, who arrived to offer his warm congratulations in person. It was a very touching and memorable moment, and especially nice listening to Mildred chatting with the Governor about Onchan, where she is from, and “proud of it”. The Governor smiled and said that he was a fellow Onchanite too.
Mildred’s Life in Onchan
Mildred had moved to Onchan - a village on the north side of Douglas Bay - with her parents just before World War 2, and the outbreak of war meant they stayed there and remained afterwards. During the interview, Simon asked her about her earlier life in Onchan and Mildred recalled, “I used to love walking along the promenade, seeing people hurrying to the boats, and the horse-drawn trams were always backwards and forwards. It was a very hustly, bustly town and I was very happy here”.
When Mildred finished school, she joined the Isle of Man Bank, beginning her employment during the war, and continuing to work there for many years, even after she had married. Although she’s been an Isle of Man resident since her family’s first move, Mildred was adamant that she didn’t qualify for Manx status although the island is most definitely ‘home’. “I’ve always been happy here”, she explained, “and never wanted to live anywhere else”.
Celebrating 102 years of a Remarkable Individual.
The tinkle of a bell announced the arrival of the high tea trolley and everyone chose from a selection of delicious cakes – perfect for a celebratory gathering. Mildred went round the room, thanking everyone for coming and shaking hands with them all. It was an afternoon full of warm smiles and wonderful memories.
Mildred moved to Castle View at the beginning of April and day to day life includes walking - her favourite pastime – and attending the church service held in the home every Wednesday. Mildred regularly visits the salon to have her hair done and listens to all kinds of music, especially jazz and classical. She enjoys socialising with the other residents but also likes her own company at times and has two little rituals each day – a cup of tea at 10am and 3pm and a glass of warm milk for supper every evening.
Fellow residents have described Mildred as “spritely and charming” and “engaging and a storyteller”. Many agreed that she was amazing on her birthday. “Isn’t she great for 102?” was heard several times and there was general disbelief that she was walking around, chatting to everyone like the perfect host!
Mildred’s birthday was happy and sociable event for the whole home and being able to share the story with the Isle of Man community made celebrating 102 years of this remarkable individual even more special.
Discover Castle View Nursing Home
Castle View Nursing Home is located on the outskirts of the picturesque city of Peel on the island’s west coast sits, sitting within landscaped grounds, with stunning views over the hills and down to the sea. You’ll find first-class facilities, a range of activities for residents, a comfortable lounge and plenty space to relax in.
