Court Lodge Celebrates 102nd Birthday of Inspirational Resident Margaret

At Court Lodge care home in Lymington, we recently celebrated the 102nd birthday of one of our most remarkable residents, Iris ‘Margaret’ Honeyman.

Margaret, who has lived at our Lymington home for several years, served during the Second World War as a volunteer with the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (FANY), a pioneering all-female emergency support service. While working for the Foreign Office in London, she contributed to a number of critical wartime roles—including intelligence support and aid to the French Resistance.

Describing that period of her life as “very challenging but enjoyable,” Margaret remains proud of her role in supporting the war effort. So, to mark her milestone birthday and her extraordinary life, our team at Court Lodge arranged a very special surprise.

Members of the modern-day Yeomanry, now formally known as the Princess Royal’s Volunteer Corps, visited Court Lodge to honour Margaret in person. Dressed in full uniform, they joined fellow residents and team members for an afternoon tea to remember.

Julia Puia, Companionship Team Leader, said:
“Margaret was truly touched by the visit and enjoyed sharing her memories. The Yeomanry guests were captivated by her stories, it meant a lot to all of us to see her so celebrated and appreciated.”

As part of her birthday festivities, Margaret also enjoyed a trip to the Hotel Cat in Sway, combining two of her favourite things: fresh air and furry friends.

From all of us at Court Lodge, happy 102nd, Margaret, and thank you for continuing to inspire us every day.