Gwen has resided at Tabley House for the last 11 months. Before she came to Tabley, Gwen spent her 100th birthday in hospital and was not able to celebrate properly. Thus she wanted to make sure her 101st birthday was a day of celebration for everyone.
Gwen was born and raised in the Cheshire parish of Snelson. Gwen loved the countryside and living near fields and woods. She had a large extended family so there was always someone to talk to or look after her and her brother. Gwen describes money being scarce during the war years and loved making blackberry, elderberry & damson wine with her family.
Gwen started her working life in confectionery but when one of her Aunts got married she was asked if she wanted to take over her milk round as getting up a 6am would ‘keep her out of mischief’.
Gwen moved to Knutsford with her husband Wilfrid who was a friend of her brother’s, they had met at a local dance. The money raised at that dance was to go towards comforts for the soldiers away at war.
Gwen is a fun loving lady who now says she feels at home in Tabley, living with all her new friends, staff and fellow residents. She loves to join in all the daily activities and engages with her fellow residents by sharing memories or playing table games most evenings. Even at 101 she is one of the last to retire each evening.
In celebration of her birthday the whole lounge was decorated for her with balloons and banners in a theme of rose gold. Gwen was presented with a birthday sash, matching tiara and a golden crown, she chose to wear her sash and crown all day. She opened each card supported by the activity staff and her friends reading the lovely messages out for everyone to hear. There were birthday party games, a special cake with afternoon tea, champagne and sherry. Gwen received numerous bouquets of flowers and enjoyed family visits.
Gwen thoroughly enjoyed the day saying ‘it was a whirlwind form start to finish’ and ‘better than my 21st’. Gwen wanted to thank all the Tabley staff for making her day so special. The Tabley team were privileged to support Gwen with her special day by creating more happy memories for her.