Happy 100th Birthday to Whitley Bay homeowner Doris
Doris celebrated her milestone in the communal lounge at Bygate Court, her McCarthy Stone Retirement Living community in Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear, with over 50 friends, fizz, afternoon tea and, of course, plenty of cake. There was even a surprise visit from firefighters at Tynemouth Fire Station—Doris has always wanted to be thrown over a fireman’s shoulder! The party was a heartwarming event, filled with laughter and memories, a testament to the strong sense of community and friendship that defines life at Bygate Court.
Doris says of her milestone birthday, “I never expected to make it – no-one else in my family ever did!” She adds that her secret is “Being sociable and having a great sense of humour.” And her advice for younger people is to “Just keep laughing!”
"We’re thrilled to have helped Doris celebrate her 100th birthday," said Deryn, House Manager at Bygate Court. "Having lived here since it was built, she is a much-loved member of our community, and her apartment currently looks like a florist! We are all honoured to be part of her special day. The whole Bygate community loved celebrating her remarkable journey."
From Whitley Bay to ‘ten-pound pom’ and back again
Born on 4th March 1925, Doris grew up in Whitley Bay and starting work at 16, before moving to live and work in Southport. Doris fondly recalls working as a school secretary at Meols Cop High School, saying: “That was a lovely job, and I so enjoyed living in Southport during this time – the fifties and sixties were my favourite eras.”
Doris also travelled widely, taking the long trip to Adelaide, Australia, after the second world war as part of the Australian Government’s ‘ten-pound pom’ scheme. Doris quickly became a valued member of the Australian Women’s Institute and loved her time there.
She returned to the UK in the 1970’s and settled in Whitley Bay. She is a longstanding member of the Women’s Institute and the Trefoil Guild, an organisation for women who were involved in the Girl Guiding movement in their childhood. As other Brownie leaders–known as Brown Owls–were called up during the second world war, Doris stepped up to become a Brown Owl aged 18, and today she still meets up with members of the Trefoil Guild, including for her 100th birthday celebrations.
Today Doris enjoys retirement living from her flat in Whitley Bay
Doris loves her life surrounded by the friends and neighbours she’s met over her 12 years at Bygate Court. She says the retirement community gives her “feelings of security and happiness, as well as fish and chip Fridays and Thursday coffee mornings!” Doris also loves watching sports, and as a former singer herself, she watches Andre Rieu on TV but is “always in bed by 11pm and up at 8am.” She adds that the most important inventions in her lifetime are “The TV and my iPad.”
Celebrate the big milestones at a McCarthy Stone community near you
Whether you choose an independent living apartment with Retirement Living or opt for the added services of Retirement Living PLUS, our retirement communities host a range of (entirely optional) informal gatherings, arts and crafts and fitness clubs as well as brilliant BIG birthday parties and wedding anniversaries too. Everyone is welcome and new friendships blossom as a result.
Learn more our retirement homes near you, call our friendly team on 0800 201 4811 or contact us online for more information.
