Olwen Celebrates 100th Birthday with Mayor
Family, friends and community well-wishers sent more than 100 birthday cards to help our Winchester dementia care home resident celebrate her centenary.
Olwen was the delighted centre of attention as she enjoyed a 100th birthday tea party at Colten Care’s St Catherines View.
She welcomed a host of guests including daughter Jennifer, a son who travelled from France and civic visitors the Mayor of Winchester, Sudhakar Achwal, and his wife, fellow councillor and former Mayor, Vivian Achwal.
The deluge of cards was boosted by a community Facebook appeal issued by St Catherines View Companionship Team Leader Laura.
It resulted in Olwen receiving 116 cards from well-wishers across England and Wales.
Laura said: “Olwen had one wish for her milestone birthday: to celebrate it with her family and friends. We were pleased and privileged to help stage a tea party in her honour.
“As well as her nearest and dearest, she loved chatting with the Mayor and seeing his Mayoral chain which at one point he took off for her to have a closer look at.”
Asked about her secret for a long and happy life, Olwen replied: “A loving family!”
On the birthday celebration itself, Olwen said: “I can’t believe the Mayor came. He was lovely and wished me a happy birthday.”
Daughter Jennifer, a regular visitor at St Catherines View, described her mum’s 100th birthday as ‘such an achievement’, adding: “She is a remarkable lady who is loved by all who meet her. We thank the staff at St Catherines View for giving her such a wonderful day.”