Great grandmother Ethel makes a splash on her 100th birthday
A 100-year-old resident had the ‘most wonderful’ birthday by rekindling her lifelong love of swimming.
Great grandmother Ethel Wise told carers at Avon Cliff in Bournemouth of her wish to take the plunge in a ‘calm and quiet’ pool, something she used to do every day.
They contacted managers at the nearby Ibis Styles Hotel who were only too happy to arrange exclusive use of their pool for a blissful hour of swimming, floating and relaxing.
Ethel, who learned to swim as a girl growing up in Kent in the 1920s and 30s, said afterwards: “It was the most wonderful day. I just can’t believe it. I was unsure I would be able to do it but as soon as I got in the pool it all came back to me. It was relaxing and I felt weightless.”
It was the first swim the former cook has had since she moved out of a retirement living complex in Bournemouth town centre where she enjoyed a daily swim in the pool.
She was accompanied on her birthday trip by Avon Cliff Companionship Team members Elise Woolnough and Paulina Trzcinska.
Elise said: “With Ethel due to turn 100, we asked if she’d like to do something special and she told us she would love the opportunity to go swimming in a pool again as this is something she did daily for years before moving into Avon Cliff.
“She also has fond memories of swimming at the Sussex resort of Hastings every year as a girl.
“We contacted the Ibis Styles Hotel which is just a short drive from our home and they kindly offered us use of their pool to allow Ethel to swim in a calm and quiet environment.
“As soon as we arrived at the pool Ethel was raring to get in and as soon as her body met the water she was off!
“She enjoyed an hour of swimming, floating and relaxing in the beautiful, warm water and basking in the glorious sun coming through the roof windows.
“Her smile beamed from ear to ear and she just kept laughing as Companion Paulina helped her float around the pool.”
Asked how she feels to have reached 100, Ethel replied: “I don’t notice any difference”.
And as for her secret of longevity, she said: “Hard work and a sense of humour.”
Ethel is also clear about her earliest memory, from the 1920s: “The first thing I can always remember is seeing my mother sitting in her chair in the centre of the room at my aunt’s house. I must have been younger than five.”
Thanking all at the hotel for their help with Ethel’s visit, Companion Elise said: “Ibis Styles made our visit so easy and carefree, ensuring that Ethel had everything she needed and making her 100th birthday even more special.”