101 candles for Chelmsford care home resident

There were plenty of smiles and slices of cake at a care home in Chelmsford when one resident celebrated a milestone birthday.

Vera Bell, resident at Care UK’s Manor Lodge on Manor Road, marked her 101^st birthday with a very special celebration.

The team organised a party at the home, as Vera was joined by family and friends and enjoyed a birthday cake prepared by Manor Lodge’s head chef.

Vera said: “I was very grateful for the cake and to spend time with my family.”

Born in Whitstable, Kent, Vera has lived a life shaped by her family, community spirit and a willingness to try new things.

She married her husband Ray in 1948 when she was 23, and the couple settled in Rochester, where they welcomed their daughter Susan into the world two years later. In 1987, they moved to Essex to be closer to Susan and to help care for their granddaughters Joanne and Sally.

Giving back has always been at the heart of Vera’s life. She was a volunteer at The Salvation Army and a member of the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service for 25 years, earning a long-service medal for her dedication. Alongside her volunteering, Vera worked in a pharmacy and in British aerospace.

Vera has always been one to embrace new challenges, and nothing quite matches the day she passed her driving test – aged 74 – proving that age is just a number.

Natasha Webster, Acting Home Manager at Manor Lodge, said: “Vera’s 101^st birthday was a true celebration of her remarkable life. She is such a cherished member of the Manor Lodge community, and it was wonderful to see her surrounded by family and friends as we marked this special day.

“Her sense of humour and positive outlook have always been an inspiration to everyone here.”

Manor Lodge, rated ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, is a modern care home that provides full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to lead enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema, café and hair and beauty salon, and there is plenty of space – both indoors and out – for relaxation and recreation.