Barbara celebrates her 101st Birthday !

Resident at New Copford Place Celebrates Her Landmark Birthday Saying The Secret To A Long And Happy Life Is ‘Men’. At Friends of the Elderly’s New Copford Place care home in Colchester, Essex, the care team has been celebrating Barbara Purves’ milestone 101'st Birthday with gifts, cards and a special birthday afternoon tea treat complete with music and singing with her care home friends. 

Barbara, who has been a resident at New Copford Place since September 2019, grew up in Surrey and has many happy memories of attending school, where Sports was her favourite subject as “I was quite good at it,” Barbara recalls.

Talking about her move to New Copford Place, Barbara said: “I decided to come to New Copford Place as I was so taken with the home’s beautiful gardens. I love gardening, it’s always been a hobby of mine and it’s lovely to be able to enjoy the delightful, picturesque grounds.”

Daniel Sabau, the Care Home Manager at New Copford Place said: “Barbara is an amazing woman; always smiling, cheerful and a very proud lady. Even when she had problems with her legs that caused her massive pain every time she had her dressings changed, she’d squeeze my hand, but then joke and laugh about it. She is also quite a character.”

“Everyone here at New Copford Place wanted to make sure Barbara had a wonderful, unforgettable 101^st Birthday,” said Camilla Korgba, the care home’s Activities Coordinator. “Barbara is a fun, lovely lady who likes to get involved with our activities, she’s particularly keen on Balloon Tennis. Barbara is a real personality and a well-loved and caring member of our New Copford Place family.

Barbara continued: “I had a really lovely 101^st birthday, it was a very special day. I thoroughly enjoyed my birthday tea, not only the delicious birthday cake, but all the music, singing, laughter and chatter, it really made my day.” 

Daniel added: “Barbara is always “shooting” us with her walking stick or “chasing” us throughout the home, making us all laugh. I met Barbara on my first day at New Copford Place and I can’t imagine this place without her. We’re all so glad Barbara enjoyed her landmark day, we wanted it to be special, just like her.”

“The other day I was asked what was my secret to a long and happy life? I’d have to say men!” concluded Barbara.