Joyce’s amazing year of adventures for her 100th birthday
Many, many happy returns to plucky Joyce Ward, who has just completed a year-long bucket list of adventures leading up to her 100th birthday.
Joyce asked the companionship team at St Catherines View in Winchester , to help her achieve a list of challenges in the run-up to her big day on May 25th.
In the past 12 months her escapades have included horse-riding, speeding around Goodwood Motor Circuit, sailing and most recently a ride on a steam train.
She finally celebrated her birthday with an American-themed BBQ at St Catherines View, which was filmed and featured on BBC South.
St Catherines’ companionship team leader Laura Sheldrake was the logistical mastermind behind Joyce’s Birthday Bucket List.
She said: “This whirlwind of adventures has certainly taken a fair bit of organising. Especially as Joyce is a wheelchair user. But to see her sheer delight as she tried some of her favourite pastimes from her younger years has made it all worthwhile for everyone involved.”
She continued: “We have been shown such kindness from so many businesses and organisations which have helped make all this possible including, Testwood Lake Sailability in Totton, Goodwood Motor Circuit and Highcliffe Castle.
“All of the Colten Care homes make it their mission to try and grant as many of our residents’ wishes as we can, and Joyce has certainly celebrated her 99th year on Earth in style.
“We are now just holding our breath to hear what she has planned for her 100th year!”
In her penultimate adventure Joyce and her grand-daughter Hilary Bloomfield took a trip on the steam and battery trains at Riverside Park in Bitterne, Southampton.
The trains were opened specially for Joyce on the day and the whole event was arranged and hosted by John Roberts, Society Chair and other volunteers from the Southampton Society of Model Engineers.
John said: “It was great to see Joyce’s wonderful smile during her train rides and all our members felt privileged to have been a part of Joyce’s special day.”
Joyce said: “That was amazing!
“Thank you to Laura and everyone who made all these things possible. I never thought we would manage all 10 of my wishes. “I have been so spoilt. It has all been simply wonderful!”
Joyce’s full bucket list was: riding a horse, playing a piano, going in a boat, cooking a meal for everyone at St Catherines View, a ride in a fast car, a visit to a chocolate factory, a visit to the forest, a visit to a castle, throwing an American-themed party and a steam train ride.
