Friends, family members and a harpist joined Olive Thompson to celebrate her 100th birthday at Westbury Residential and Nursing Home on Friday.
Mrs Thompson, who turned 100 on Sunday, has lived in Westbury since 1962, moving to the Hawkeridge Park estate from her birthplace in Bournemouth, where she worked in the audit department of the town council. She lived on her own in her house in Westbury until she was 98 after the death of husband Jim, a bomber pilot in the Second World War.
As well as being joined by family from Jersey and Southampton, including great-niece Mary and nephew Bill, Mrs Thompson requested the services of Glastonbury harpist John Dalton, who played favourites such as Fly Me to the Moon.
Mrs Thompson, who enjoys crosswords and knitting, said: “It’s nice to have this celebration and to be surrounded by friends and family. I’ve had a lovely time and the music is wonderful.”
Despite her age, Mrs Thompson is still very active and recently joined staff at the home for a Memory Walk around Southwick Country Park, raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society.
Jan Lacey, activities co-ordinator at the home, said: “She is a lovely lady, always thinking about other people before herself and she has quickly become a favourite resident at the home.
“She doesn’t seem like 100 as she is still mobile and always joins in with the activities we hold.
“We went out shopping last week in Bath to get her an outfit for her birthday and she loved the opportunity to get out and about and was happy with her purchases.
“She is like a favourite aunt and is a marvellous lady, who likes to be very much in control. I could easily talk to her all day.”
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