Russell Court Nursing Home in Longfield celebrates two 101st birthdays
14:13, 21 May 2020
updated: 15:54, 28 May 2020
A wedding night spent in a bomb shelter and a sherry every day are just some of the stories recalled at two special birthday parties.
Russell Court Nursing Home in Longfield, near Dartford, saw two of its residents turn 101 within days of each other.
Florence Cutterham, known as Flo, celebrated her milestone birthday on Friday, May 15, and Vera Morris's was two days' later on Sunday, May 17.
The ladies were surprised with a party hosted by the home, and although their families couldn't be with them due to the Covid-19 lockdown, cards, presents and video calls throughout the day meant the festivities could be shared.
Flo, a mum of one son, grandmother to four, a great-grandmother and now a great-great-grandmother, said: "A special memory of mine was when I got married.
"On our first wedding night, the Germans bombed us so we had to spend the night in the shelter."
Ms Cutterham, originally from East Ham in London, was married for 55 years. She and her husband met as they lived opposite each other in the same street, and their first date was at the Speedway in West Ham.
She said: "I feel my secret to a long life is lots of walking and enjoying time with family."
Vera, from Essex, was married for 22 years and wed in 1940.
She said: "I will always remember getting married and all the lovely holidays I've been on.
"For me, the secret to a long life is a sherry every day!"
The two birthday girls received flowers from the Flower Man, who has a stall at the Black Lion pub in Hartley, a balloon display from Poppets Balloons in Gravesend and a cake from Nic Bakes Cakes.
Russell Court Nursing Home is an independent, family-run business which has been owned by Astrid and Andrew West since 2000. The home offers personalised care for the frail and elderly.
Nursing home manager Rachel Caveney said: "The facilities here are modern, homely and welcoming, and we pride ourselves on delivering quality, personalised care that caters for each resident as an individual.
"We have a team of highly trained staff, including nurses and carers who provide kind, individualised care to our residents.
"We have lots of fun, with a multitude of different activities, including celebrating the fantastic two ladies who turned 101 this month.
"As the manager of the home, I owe all my staff a huge thank you for working so hard, and making the home, and the care provided, simply fantastic.
"We have managed to remain Covid-19 free at this very difficult time, and I am extremely proud of all our achievements."
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