Resident Peggy Celebrates 105 Years On 80th Anniversary Of VE Day
May 8th had huge significance this year as the 80th anniversary of VE Day was marked around the world. Meanwhile, in a quiet corner of Dorset, Homefield Grange resident Peggy hit a milestone of her own.
Balloons, Bunting and a Birthday Card from the King
Peggy celebrated her 105th birthday in style on May 8th, 2025 – a very different occasion to her 25th birthday which coincided with Victory in Europe Day. It’s safe to say that most birthdays would have taken a back seat on the day that the end of World War 2 was declared. This time around, Peggy was the centre of attention at Homefield Grange Care Home in Christchurch.
The team planned a day of celebration which included many of Peggy’s favourite things and some surprises too. The home was decorated with beautiful gold and white balloons and banners and a special chair was provided for the birthday girl who took great pride in opening her birthday card from the King.
Activities and a New Summer Hat
Peggy then chose the residents’ morning activity - Scrabble and her favourite board games. A keen participant in many of the activities organised by the Wellbeing team, Peggy was a contributor to the design of last year’s Christmas Wreath competition entry, inspired by the Elf on the Shelf, which revealed her mischievous side! Peggy also loves hats and the Homefield team presented her with a new one for summer – an especially useful gift for such a sunny May.
Happy Memories on a Day of Celebration
Later that afternoon, 20 family members arrived to celebrate with Peggy, and Homefield’s Chef created a delicious afternoon tea. Bubbles were served and Peggy’s remarkable 105 years were toasted, before ‘Frank Sinatra’ entered the room. Peggy was serenaded with her favourite song, “This Love of Mine” which had been a hit for the original Sinatra, recorded with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra in 1941. “Happy Birthday” followed – a fitting finale and the perfect end to a wonderful day, celebrating a truly remarkable woman.
Home Manager, Adina, said, “It’s often hard to believe that Peggy is over 100. She loves participating in all kinds of activities and has even served as our Resident Representative. We know that Peggy was a housewife and part time teaching assistant during the war, while her husband was at sea, and that as World War 2 ended, she turned 25. Celebrating her 105th birthday was an honour for us all and the fact that we also marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day made it an even more memorable occasion for residents and the team at Homefield Grange”.
The last word went to Peggy who looked back on the day and reflected, “I feel so blessed to have celebrated my special day with everyone who I love.”
Welcome to Homefield Grange Care Home in Christchurch, Dorset.
Homefield Grange is a beautiful, purpose-built home in Christchurch, offering residential, nursing, and dementia care in a modern setting. You’ll a find warm and inviting space for residents and visitors with exceptional amenities, including lounges, a cinema, a hair salon and a bistro.
The wonderful surroundings at Homefield Grange Care Home are matched by our team’s standard of care. We love to learn about those staying with us by getting to know them, so your loved one’s time here is tailored to their interests, preferences, and needs. We allow for as much independence as possible and residents choose how the care home is run.
