A local care home has been helping one of their residents celebrate their 100th birthday.
Brenda Young, a resident of HC-One’s Fosse Way View Care Home in Bingham, turned 100 last week.
Born in Chatham in Kent in January 1924, Brenda’s parents were in the hotel business, and she moved around the UK from a young age often helping her parents alongside her schoolwork.
When Brenda was in her 20's she started a 16-year career with Revlon Cosmetics, promoting new Revlon products in the old Griffin and Spalding shop on Market Square. During this time, she completed training courses in both manicures and facials, as well as make-up techniques.
When asked which product she liked selling the most, Brenda laughed and said:
“Whichever one made me the most commission!”.
Brenda married her first husband when she was just 18, and they had a son together called Stuart. Tragically her husband, who was a night fighter pilot in the RAF, was killed in combat and she was widowed at the early age of 21. She found love again later in life when at the age of 50 she married David and became a wife for a second time.
As well as her son, Stuart, Brenda has two grandsons, Ross and Duncan. Brenda loves sharing stories about her grandson’s life to friends and care home staff, especially as Ross works as a pilot – just like his grandfather once did.
Outside of family life, Brenda has always been interested in sports and when she was younger, she played tennis, golf, hockey and even took up horse riding. She continued to play sports throughout her life, playing golf and tennis every week. Although she is no longer able to play, she enjoys watching sport on television.
Asked for the secret to a long life, Brenda said it was:
“To work hard and to always enjoy life”.
To celebrate her landmark celebration, Brenda enjoyed a fun-filled birthday party at Fosse Way View, the care home where she now lives, singing, dancing and playing games. The kitchen team baked her a delicious cake, and when Brenda's family visited in the afternoon, they presented her with her very special card from King Charles.
Liz Wood, Home Manager at Fosse Way View, said:
“It’s been wonderful helping Brenda celebrate this very special occasion along with her family.”