It’s been a very special week at HC-One’s
Trafalgar Park care home, in Nelson, Treharris, as one Resident marked her 105th birthday and shared her secret to a long life…
Lena Thorpe, pictured, turned 105, on 20th November and had a whole programme of different activities to celebrate at the 52-bed residential and residential dementia care home, which took place from 19th to 21st November.
Born on 21st November 1917 in Wombwell, Barnsley, Lena was a homemaker and worked in a factory in her younger years, cutting out soldiers’ uniforms. She was married on 20th July 1940 to her husband Norman, and they were together for 74 years. She has one daughter, Carol, one son, Alan, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Throughout the weekend of birthday celebrations, a tea party was organised for Lena, with plenty of delicious treats. Colleagues had also booked a singing entertainer called James, and he wasn’t the only visitor to the home.
Lena, who enjoys playing cards and gets quite competitive at the care home, received a basket of flowers, presented to her by Laura Dufty, Vice Councillor of Nelson. She also received lots of cards from the local Llanfabon Infants School, as well as that all important one from the new King Charles and Queen Consort, Camilla.
Owen Money, Comedian and Radio Presenter from BBC Radio Wales, also came to visit Lena, he had spoken to her many times over the telephone for her previous birthdays, but this was the first time he was able to visit in person (due to the pandemic restrictions). He gifted Lena some flowers, potted plants and a card.
Owen spent a while chatting to Lena and her family and sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to her, as well as ‘Delilah by Tom Jones’, in the presence of the other Residents.
When asked about what her secret is to a long life, Lena said,
“Having a lovely husband and family around me. And eating plenty of Liquorice Allsorts and Jelly Babies. With plenty of holidays and laughter.”
Lena’s family commented,
“Thank you for all that was planned for Lena’s birthday weekend. We are very grateful.”
Lena said that she had “a very lovely birthday!”
Ellen Smith, Home Manager at Trafalgar Park, remarked,
“Lena was treated like a Queen on her birthday weekend and finished off the celebrations singing along to our entertainer James. And she thoroughly enjoyed eating her favourite sweets; Liquorice Allsorts and Jelly Babies!”
“Happy birthday to Lena from everyone at Trafalgar Park.”