Hartlepool centenarian's socially distanced 100th birthday celebrations

Rose is a resident at Charlotte Grange care home in Flaxton Street which like many are still in lockdown.

Residents are only allowed to see their loved ones from a safe distance.

But that did not stop Rose having a happy and memorable day with a visit from her family, car park entertainment and buffet enjoyed with other residents and staff.

Charlotte Grange manager Wendy Nicholson said: “We are all working hard at this difficult time to ensure that residents are kept active and entertained during this pandemic.

“It’s always lovely to celebrate the birthdays of our residents but now, more than ever special events like this are important for the morale of staff, residents, and their families at this difficult time.”

Rose, one of 11 children, was born in Hartlepool on June 22, 1920. When she was 19 she met and married her first husband, Jim Lee, and together they had two children, a son and a daughter.

Rose is now a proud grandmother, great grandmother and a great-great grandmother.

She had numerous jobs throughout her working life, including a lift operator at Binns’ department store in Hartlepool, as well as Siemens factory before finishing as a school cook.

During her younger years Rose loved dancing and ice skating and always took pride in her appearance.

Following the death of her first husband, Rose met and married Stephen Caffrey and they enjoy many happy years together.

On Rose’s birthday her family sent in lots of balloons and banners to decorate the home.

As her room has a patio door overlooking the car park it meant she was able to see her family from a safe distance.

And Rose enjoyed a good sing-along from the comfort of her room when charity Miles for Men turned up and piped out music in the car park.

Martin McGuigan, Managing Director of home parent company Community Integrated Care, added: “It was lovely that Rose could enjoy the entertainment from the comfort of her room!

“Everyone at Community Integrated Care wishes Rose a happy 100th birthday.”

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