Foxbridge House resident reveals the secret to a long life as she celebrates 103rd birthday

Home news

May 30, 2018

Birthday celebrations were in full swing at Foxbridge House, when a resident celebrated her 103rd birthday.

Rose Clifton turned 103 years ‘young’ on the 16th March, and revealed the secret to staying healthy is simple: to eat well and live clean. 

To celebrate her milestone birthday, Rose was joined by family, friends and residents for a party hosted by the team at the care home. The home was delighted to also welcome the Deputy Mayoress of Bromley, Maureen Kennedy, for the celebrations, and residents were able to enjoy a special performance of their favourite cockney songs by local singer Richie Richardson. 

Rose was born on 16th March 1915 in Lambeth, and was the youngest of 15 children. She moved to Wallington in Surrey following the war and, after leaving school aged 14, Rose worked as a cutter in a dress makers. After having children, she worked at a make-up factory as a charge hand. 

Rose met her late husband, Ernie Clifton, at the age of 12 whilst at school, and they married nine years later, when she was 21. Rose and Ernie have two children, four grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. 

When asked the secret to a long life, Rose simply answered “good, clean living, and eating well, although I have never been to the doctors or taken any tablets!” 

Carol McCormack, home manager at Foxbridge House, said: “Residents are at the heart of everything we do here at Foxbridge House, and we always take the time to celebrate special days like birthdays to ensure the residents feel at home. It was wonderful to celebrate such an incredible milestone with Rose. We held a special party and she was thrilled to receive a visit from Deputy Mayoress of Bromley Maureen Kennedy.”