Penhurst Gardens Care Home Celebrates Resident and WWII Veteran’s 105th Birthday Milestone
A Chipping Norton care home has marked an extraordinary milestone, celebrating the 105th birthday of much-loved resident and Second World War veteran, Joan Ramsay.
As part of the celebrations, Joan was delighted to receive a congratulatory card from His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen – a moment that brought a beaming smile and was proudly shared with friends around the home.
Joan’s milestone birthday was also marked with a special visit from the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, who joined residents and team members in celebrating her remarkable life and paid tribute to her “courage and character”.
Continuing the celebrations, on the 20th May, Joan was also surprised with a special visit from Oxford United’s club ambassador Peter Rhoades-Brown, better known as Rosie. As a lifelong Oxford United supporter, the visit underscored her loyalty and dedication to the club, having held a season ticket for more than 40 years and attending her final match at the remarkable age of 92.
One of Joan’s fondest memories is being at Wembley in 1986 to watch Oxford United lift the Milk Cup. To make the celebrations even more special, Rosie brought the Milk Cup along for Joan to see in person, leaving her overwhelmed with joy as her smile lit up the room. Even now, Joan continues to support the team and has a keen interest in the club’s fortunes.
At the age of 18, Joan joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service, training as a cook during the Second World War. Her service took her to France just six weeks after D-Day, a moment in history she witnessed first-hand.
Reflecting on the celebrations, Joan Ramsay said: “I enjoyed my birthday, especially the lovely flowers, cards and the large 105 balloons. I was also very thankful for all the best wishes from family, residents and staff at Penhurst Gardens Care Home.”
The team at Penhurst Gardens were honoured to help Joan celebrate this special milestone. Lynne Elliott, home manager at Porthaven Cares Homes Penhurst Gardens, said: “Joan is a truly remarkable lady, and it has been a privilege for us all to help her celebrate her 105th birthday here at Penhurst Gardens.
“She has lived through so much change and has such an incredible life story, from growing up in Wales and serving during the Second World War to raising her family and making a home here in Oxfordshire. Joan has a quiet dignity about her, but she is also endlessly interesting and a joy to spend time with.
“We are so grateful to everyone who helped make Joan’s celebrations so memorable, from her family, friends and the team to the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire and Oxford United. It meant so much to see Joan surrounded by people who wanted to honour her life, her stories and the special place she holds in our home.
“Everyone at Penhurst Gardens is very fond of Joan, and we were delighted to mark this wonderful milestone. We wish Joan a very happy 105th birthday.”
