Attending A 100th Birthday Party
28th December 2024 - New Experience Number 39.
Attending a 100th birthday party was an absolute honour. Having never been to a party for a centenarian before, I decided to claim this wonderful event as one of my 52 new things in 2024.
The birthday girl wanted to keep everything low-key, so I haven’t mentioned her name in this post, and it only contains some quick snaps I grabbed on the day.
An Amazing Neighbour
We received the invite to the surprise party for the big birthday of our neighbour several months before the big day. There was no way we were going to miss going along to help celebrate such a milestone birthday for an amazing lady.
Whilst she didn’t want a fuss, her family weren’t going to let this special occasion pass by without some sort of celebration.
She has lived in the street for over 70 years, first moving in with her husband who sadly died not long after they got married. Whilst it’s such a sad story of her early life, she busied herself to become an integral member of the community.
An Amazing Member Of The Community
After the Second World War, our lovely neighbour helped her Mum to run the Darby and Joan club, which provided older people in the community with entertainment and social activities.
Later, she set up an over 60s club which she ran for seven decades. Yes, seven decades! The only time she wasn’t in attendance herself, was after she had a fall when she was 90.
As she has got older some things have become a bit too much for her, and whilst she may not be very mobile, she is still bright as a button. She always knows what’s going on, and remembers things we’ve talked about when we’ve popped in to say hello.
An Inspiration
As well as the incredible ways that she has helped and supported the local community, she’s also an inspiration in her attitude to being social.
It’s rare to pass by her front window and for her not to have a visitor. When there isn’t someone calling in, she’s often on the phone.
She’s an incredibly social lady, even though she can’t leave the house on her own. She is proactive in picking up the phone to check her friends and family are alright, and I think this is amazing and something I have definitely done more of.
It can be so easy to think we won’t call someone because they might be busy. It’s quick and easy to send a message. It’s easy to wait for someone else to call us. I’ve definitely learnt from her to keep yourself in the loop. Pick up the phone, have a conversation, and keep in touch with people.
A Beautiful Tea Party - Attending A 100th Birthday Party
The tables were set for a vintage themed afternoon tea in the church hall. Tables were set with china plates, cups and saucers. Tiered cake stands were loaded with perfectly cut sandwiches, individual servings of savoury pastries, and slices of deliciously moreish sweet treats.
With the busyness of the festive season, her family had done an incredible job of organising the event for friends and family. Balloons and banners marked the occassion, and the hall was packed with well wishers from near and far.
We chatted with several other guests, and everyone had stories of the ordinary things she had done which have made her an extraordinary woman. There was nothing but love in the room and an overwhelming feeling of joy.
Dotted around the room were photographs of her at various ages through her life. Seeing these snapshots of her life way before I knew her, were just gorgeous as she had a glint in her eye, and a smile on her face.
A Very Important Card
Amongst her many, many, many cards, was one from the King. A suitably cheerful photograph of King Charles and Queen Camilla, with a lovely well-wishing message inside.
If you happen to be organising a celebration for a 100 year old, you can apply for a card from the King for British Nationals. This website has all the details for how to apply.
Not A Dry Eye In The Hall - Attending A 100th Birthday Party
This was very much a joyful celebration, however, it was hard not to get emotional during the speeches. Glasses were brought around and filled with bubbles so that we could give a toast to the birthday girl.
A nephew tapped his glass to gather everyone’s attention, and regaled us with tales of his wonderful aunt. She’d had an amazing life, and whilst there were many bittersweet moments, she had always seen the best of situations, and always put other people first.
The impact she has had on the people she has met is far reaching. It was such a warm and wonderful recognition of a remarkable woman, who I’m so privileged to know and hope I can embrace just some of the wonderful ways that she sees the world.