Stansted care home resident celebrates centenarian status with a smile

There were big smiles – and plenty of cake – at a care home in Stansted when a much-loved resident celebrated a milestone birthday.

Doreen Barber, who lives at Care UK’s Mountfitchet House on Coltsfield, marked her 100th birthday surrounded by friends, family and fellow residents. 

The party included live music by local performer Colin Wells, who entertained guests with songs running from the 1940s and 1950s through to the present day. Doreen and her guests also enjoyed a traditional afternoon tea prepared by the home’s kitchen team, which featured scones and a variety of cakes.

Born and raised in Tottenham, Doreen attended County School until the outbreak of the second world war and later became the cashier in her father’s London butchers at just 15 years old – a role she remembers fondly, especially the busy Saturday queues. 

A lifelong sport enthusiast, Doreen spent her younger years ice skating, playing tennis and keeping a close eye on women’s sport. She’s also something of a thrill-seeker, with highlights of her life including a hot-air balloon ride in New Zealand with her sons and even paragliding off the back of a boat in Corfu. 

Doreen was married to her husband, Don, for 55 years and together they raised three children: Nina, Peter and Paul. She cites family as always keeping her “on her toes”, which may be why she’s still so sprightly today.

When asked for her secret to a long life, Doreen’s answer was simple: “Always keep busy – especially by playing sports to stay fit.”

Joanna Duke, Home Manager at Mountfitchet House, said: “Doreen brings such a brilliant mix of warmth and wit to the home, and she has a wonderful way of making everyone smile.

“She has become such a cherished part of our community, and it was a privilege to mark her special day and raise a toast to her remarkable life so far. If her hot-air ballooning and paragliding days are anything to go by, we’re convinced she has plenty more excitement ahead!”

Mountfitchet House is a state-of-the-art care home that provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. It incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies, and includes its own cinema, hair and beauty salon and pub.