A bit of light good news for a change
https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/23423324.bournemouth-resident-celebrates-100th-birthday-taxi-trip/A TRUE cockney and Bournemouth resident has celebrated her 100th birthday in style.
Joan Houchin was treated to a birthday trip around Bournemouth in a balloon-decorated black London taxi while her friends and family waited for her arrival at Colin’s Nest Coffee Shop.
Born in the East End of London on March 24, 1923, centenarian Joan is a resident of Kingsman House Care Home in Branksome Wood Road, which is part of the LuxuryCare Group.
In her youth, Joan worked in a large department store selling ladies lingerie before marrying her husband, Cyril, in 1948 when she was 25. They spent many years living in London and traveling the world together – visiting the likes of America, France, Germany, Spain and Italy.
Joan Houchin and her niece Karen. (Image: LuxuryCare)
Joan has seen five monarchs ascend the throne throughout her life so far and said she is excited to watch King Charles III’s coronation in May – the sixth coronation she will have lived through.
A huge fan of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Joan is very fond of the Royal Family because her father worked at Buckingham Palace. She said she was delighted to receive a 100th birthday card from King Charles.
Speaking about the 100-year-old, Kingsman House staff member Martin Hastings, said: “Joan is a wonderful lady. She is always smiling and is such a positive person, I was delighted that we were able to give her the celebrations she deserves.”
Joan’s great niece Karen said she was thrilled to celebrate with her aunt to mark the special occasion.
She added: “I have many fond memories of Joan taking me to visit Shoebury Nest and Epping Forest when I was little. My great aunt means the world to me and I hope she has enjoyed her celebrations.”
Joan’s celebrations continued with a ‘knees up’ party with friends, family and care home residents at Kingman’s House.
Across the past two decades, there’s been a 58 per cent increase in the number of UK centenarians. In 2020, 0.02 per cent of the current UK population was aged 100 or higher. ONS data shows more than 12,000 people aged 100 or more were female, while just 2,700 were male.
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