Froxfield Care Home Resident Celebrates 103rd Birthday

Brendoncare Froxfield resident Jean Birtles became queen for a day when she celebrated her 103rd birthday at the care home.

Jean, who is related to Sir Roger Bannister, the first man to break the four minute mile, celebrated in style with her children, grand-daughter and great grandsons in Froxfield’s garden.

Born on 18th July 1920 in Hornchurch, Essex, Jean was in the Women’s Land Army during World War 2, working on a farm in the county.

She met her husband Tom who lived next door but one to her house. They met when he came to look at a puppy her mother was selling. They married in the 1940s and honeymooned on the Isle of Wight.

While bringing up her children, Jean sold cream teas from the garden at her home every Monday and at weekends.

She is a big animal lover and keeps everyone entertained about all the animals she has cared for over the years. She kept goats and once took them to London by car.

Jean came to live at Froxfield in 2019, moving there from Bexhill-on-Sea in East Sussex where she was actively involved in the community and was a much-loved member of the local Women’s Institute.

Staying active is very important to her and she believes this is her secret to a long and happy life.
She still enjoys her daily walks around Froxfield’s garden. She enjoys a monthly massage at a local wellbeing centre – and at 103 years old, she can still touch her toes and do a high kick!
Jean also finds singing very uplifting and has always enjoyed a sing-song.

She said afterwards: “I had a lovely birthday and felt very spoilt. Thank you to everyone for making my day so special.”