A sweet treat: chocolate could be the secret to a long life according to local centenarian

Home news

May 16, 2018

Turning 100-years-old tasted sweet for a resident at Hartismere Place, when she marked the occasion with friends, family and residents at a special birthday bash. 

Birthday celebrations were in full swing at Hartismere Place when resident, Eileen Hill celebrated her 100th birthday. Eileen turned 100 years ‘young’ on 29th April, and the team wonder if her love of chocolate could be the secret to a long life. 

To commemorate this milestone birthday, Eileen was joined by family, friends and residents for a party hosted by the team at the care home. The day involved music, dancing and Eileen’s favourite sweet treats, including her favourite jam sandwiches and a special birthday cake prepared by the home’s chefs. 

Eileen was born on 29th April 1918 in Walsham-le-Willows. She grew up in Rickinghall, Suffolk, and spent much of her time working in a bakery in Botesdale. 

In 1939, Eileen married her late husband, Albert, and they had one child together called Tony who also sadly passed away some years ago. Eileen came to live at Hartismere Place in 2015 and enjoys visits from her nieces. 

Eileen particularly enjoys the musical events at the care home, from Gail’s Music Hall Gaiety, to the one Women show “Calamity Jane”, which is why the Care UK team wanted to throw an ‘all-singing, all-dancing’ party for her milestone celebration.  

Matthew Calver, home manager at Hartismere Place, said: “Here at Hartismere Placewe always like to make an occasion of birthdays – particularly a milestone such as this. 

“To celebrate Eileen turning 100-years-old, we held a special party here at the home, and it was lovely to be joined by Eileen’s family and friends for this important life event. It was clear from the smile on Eileen’s face that she had a lovely time – as we all did celebrating her big day. She was especially thrilled to receive her 100thbirthday card from the Queen.”