Patricia Chilton, a resident at HC-One’s The Hornchurch Care Home in Hornchurch, Essex, celebrated her 90th birthday with her family, friends and fellow residents.
One of eight children, Patricia was born in North London and experienced a happy but difficult life after being evacuated to Diss in Norfolk during the war, but was billeted with a loving family, who she enjoyed country life with.
Upon leaving school, Patricia became a draughtswoman but then went on to do secretarial work, which she carried on through her career until retiring in her fifties. She went on to meet her childhood sweetheart Michael in 1945 at the tender age of 16 who she then married five years later in 1950, they settled down in Kentish Town where Michael became a police officer – a career he would follow for the next 27 years.
Patricia has always been a keen gardener, and also spent her time undertaking hobbies such as knitting and dressmaking, with some of her wonderful embroideries having been framed and currently displayed in her room at The Hornchurch.
During their 60 years of marriage, Patricia and Michael had two children – Robert, born in 1953, followed shortly after by Christine in 1955. Patricia is now a proud great-grandmother as her family has extended to include five granddaughters and nine great grand-children, who she regularly enjoys spending time with.
To celebrate Patricia’s 90th birthday, the home was decorated with birthday bunting and balloons, as live music entertainment was provided for all to enjoy, especially focussing on Patricia’s favourite songs that everyone enjoyed dancing to. Other residents within the home attended to celebrate with Patricia, and the party then ended with an afternoon tea held for Patricia and her relatives.
Tania Banner, The Hornchurch Care Home Manager, said:
“Afternoons like this are so important for residents to spend with their families, especially when there is a special birthday involved. It has been lovely to see Patricia enjoy herself.”