Double celebrations for Horley care home centenarians

There was twice the cake and twice the cheer as two remarkable residents at a Horley care home celebrated two huge milestones. 

Joyce Frogley and Phyllis Long, who live at Care UK’s Amherst House, on Court Lodge Road, celebrated their 105^th and 109^th birthdays with a special party complete with two birthday cakes made by the home’s talented Head Chef.

Family, residents and team members joined in the celebrations, which included balloon decorations in purple and pink, and everyone raising a glass of sherry – something Joyce credits for her long life.

When asked about her secret to such incredible longevity, Phyllis simply added: “fresh air, good food and laughter.” 

Joyce was born on 10^th January 1921, and grew up in Leytonstone, Essex. Joyce married her husband Robert in 1941, aged 20, and later relocated to Scotland for a year to join him on a temporary military posting, before settling in Horley, Surrey.  

Together, the couple had two children, Marion and Roger, who went on to bring four grandchildren into the family, who often visit Joyce at Amherst House.

At the start of her career, Joyce worked for Admiralty in London. In her spare time, Joyce was a keen bowls player and a regular at the Horley Bowls Club, where she was a member for over 50 years. Joyce also has a love of embroidery – a hobby that she continues to enjoy at Amherst House. 

Reflecting on her many happy years, Joyce revealed the secret to living a long, happy life, saying it was: “a glass of sherry every day and the joy and love of a marvellous husband and family – sometimes it’s potluck who you choose, but I got very lucky!”

Phyllis was born in Wallington, London, on 27^th December 1916, where she lived until she was 103. She enjoyed family life in Wallington where she met her late husband, Vic, who she wed in December 1939. 

Together they had one son, Roger, who went on to bring two grandchildren into the family, who enjoy visiting Phyliss at Amherst House. In her youth, Phyllis worked at Croydon Airport, sewing the material onto the ailerons of the Wellington Bomber. She was also a member of St Helier Hospital League of Friends for 15 years. Outside of work, she loved the outdoors and would often be found on scenic walks or at home cooking family meals.

When reflecting on her secret to a long and happy life, Phyllis said: “I love company and chatting to people. I believe laughter, good food and fresh air is the secret to living a long life.”

Cristina Cristea, Home Manager at Amherst House, said: “It’s not every day we celebrate such incredible milestones here at Amherst House, and with a whopping 214 wonderful years between them, these two huge birthdays certainly called for a party. 

“Joyce and Phyllis are both extraordinary women who have lived incredible lives and it was wonderful to see them surrounded by their loved ones to mark the special occasion. The team worked really hard to make sure it was a day to remember, and we would like to thank everyone who came along to join the party!”

Amherst House has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives in a luxury environment. The home provides full-time residential, nursing, and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care, and has its own cinema room, café and hair and beauty salon.