There was double cause for celebration at The Fremantle Trust recently with Barbara Wood celebrating her 101st birthday after also fighting off COVID. She was joined in the centurion club by Peggy Graham, who marked her 100th birthday just a few days earlier.

Barbara Wood, who moved into Sir Aubrey Ward in Marlow shortly after she turned 100, contracted COVID at the end of December. She has since made a full recovery and was able to fulfil her birthday wish to receive the vaccine before her 101st birthday on 13 February. Barbara commented:

I’ve made a full recovery and have now been vaccinated - I am so grateful.” She added, “I was overwhelmed with the effort everyone went to for my birthday. I was thoroughly spoilt and feel very lucky indeed.

Sir Aubrey Ward home manager, Julie Canale added: “We always make an extra effort for residents celebrating landmark birthdays. Turning 101 is obviously something special, but turning 101 having survived coronavirus is cause for even greater celebration and the team really put on a great party for Barbara.”

Barbara was joined by her daughter who was able to visit thanks to a dedicated visitor room set up at the home, something that the Trust introduced in order to facilitate safe visits across each of their 11 homes at the start of the pandemic last year. The Mayor of Marlow also made an appearance via a personal video call to Barbara.

Another resident celebrating a landmark birthday recently was Peggy Graham. A resident at Farnham Common House in Farnham Common, Peggy turned 100 years old on 7 February. Peggy was treated to a telegram from the Queen and not one, but three beautifully decorated birthday cakes - one for each digit! Peggy also had a number of visitors throughout the day including family members, the Chairman of Farnham Royal Parish Council - Paul Rowley and Dev Dhillon, Bucks County Councillor. All visits were carefully planned and facilitated by the team at Farnham Common House, with screens in place to ensure everyone’s safety. 

Asked what her secret was to living a long life, Peggy commented:

I spent much of my life playing sport and staying active as well as 47 years in South Africa where the weather is beautiful, so I think that has helped.

Mark Webb-Austin, Director of Operations at The Fremantle Trust, said: “It’s been fabulous to  celebrate Barbara and Peggy’s landmark birthdays. We’ve made every effort to facilitate safe visiting at all our homes wherever possible throughout this past year, and it’s fantastic Barbara and Peggy were able to see their families to mark their special days.”