Sandfields resident receives the royal treatment as she celebrates 100th birthday

Home news

Jun 06, 2018

A resident at Sandfields celebrated her 100th birthday and received a visit from a special guest.

Birthday celebrations were in full swing at Sandfields when resident Vera Ford celebrated her 100th birthday and was visited by the Lord Lieutenant for Gloucestershire.

Vera, an avid lover of the royal family, turned 100 years ‘young’ on the 23rd May, and was delighted to receive a special visit from Dame Janet Trotter, Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire. Also joined by her family and fellow residents, Vera enjoyed a memorable afternoon with Dame Janet.  

Born just before the end of the First World War, on 23rd May 1918, Vera grew up in Bromsgrove. After leaving school, she attended secretarial college where she learnt how to type. She went on to work in a glove factory, before moving into the insurance industry. She met her husband, Ernest, whom she went on to start her own family with. Vera’s pride and joy is her grandson, Noah, who regularly visits her at Sandfields where they enjoy exercise classes together. 

Friendly, caring and an animal lover, Vera enjoys petting all sorts of animals when they visit the home, from Shetland ponies to bearded dragons, but her favourites have been creepy crawlies, including spiders, and snakes. 

Having lived at Sandfields for just over a year, Vera regularly takes part in the home’s activities, including exercise classes. She has fond memories of one particular exercise class, where she was joined by her grandson Noah. 

Deanna Lane, home manager at Sandfields, said: “Vera has only been with us for a year, but she’s been attending our exercise classes regularly – one of her secrets to living a long life! 

“Turning 100 is an incredible milestone, and it was wonderful to mark the occasion by inviting Vera’s friends and family for a party. Vera was thrilled to receive visit from Dame Jane Trotter and had a fantastic afternoon.”