‘Fun-loving’ Inge celebrates 100th birthday at Amberwood House

A ‘warm, fun-loving’ great grandmother has celebrated her 100^th birthday at Amberwood House.

Inge Liell welcomed family, friends, fellow residents and team members to her party at Amberwood House in Ferndown.

The home’s café was decorated with flowers and balloons and when Inge entered, she was presented with a sparkly crown and bright pink ‘It’s my 100^th birthday’ sash.

Home staff and family members worked behind the scenes to research, gather and display a collection of photos from Inge’s long life.

It prompted many memories and talking points for guests enjoying a buffet of Inge’s favourite foods, including treats such as mushroom vol-au-vents and quiche, ahead of a heartfelt toast proposed by her daughter Marilyn.

Inge was born in March 1925 in the northern German city of Lüneburg with her childhood impacted by the rise of Nazism and the onset of the Second World War.

One memory from her early years is creating her family tree, a beautifully handwritten document, an original copy of which she still treasures.

After the war and throughout her early adulthood, Inge held many jobs, including serving as a blood donor for British soldiers.

She worked for both the German and British governments, assisting with soldier payroll.

It was during this time she met her future husband, Ron, a British soldier, and improved her already strong grasp of English to become completely fluent.

Her main career was as a proofreader for an accounting firm.

Married for nearly 60 years, Inge and Ron had two other daughters as well as Marilyn and enjoyed travelling including several trips to the resort of Cala Bona in Majorca.

A resident at Amberwood House since 2022, flower enthusiast Inge arranges 14 floral displays each week for the tables in the dining room.

She is a dog lover too and helped to judge the entries for the home’s 2023 dog show in aid of Ferndown Rotary.

A great fan of music, she enjoys singing along with Companionship Team member Nicky Stevens, a professional musician and member of the UK’s Eurovision winning group the Brotherhood of Man.

Asked for her secret of longevity, Inge said: “Enjoy life as much as you can and take care of yourself. An occasional glass of sherry or wine certainly helps as well.”

Companionship Team Leader Kirsty Richmond Cole said: “Inge has formed deep friendships at Amberwood House. She is a warm, fun-loving woman, always surrounded by friends. She dedicates much of her time to offering companionship to others and has remained close to the families of former residents.

“One granddaughter of a late resident visits with her daughter Marigold, who recently celebrated her first birthday with Inge. That was a truly special moment for the home. Inge is often lovingly referred to as Marigold’s adopted great-grandmother, a role she cherishes dearly.

“With remarkable strength and grace, Inge stood unaided at the end of her party to reflect fondly on her 100 years and thank everyone for being part of her special day.”