5 generations of family came together to celebrate Barbara Bennett’s 102nd birthday at Southern Housing’s Byrnhill Grove Care Home in Ventnor.
The Park Avenue care home was decorated with balloons and full of well-wishers, as everyone came together to celebrate Barbara’s special day on 2nd February.
There was plenty of cake and several singalongs, led by a talented member of the care team, who prefers to remain an anonymous songbird!
When asked the secret to a long life, Barbara responded:
“Good health. And my mother was always very strict; she was good to us but firm. It kept me out of trouble I suppose but I was a daddy’s girl.”
Reflecting on her happiest years, she added:
“If I could go back to any time in my life, I’d go back to my 30s I think, I had such a good time.”
Barbara was born on the Island in 1924 and has lived here all her life. She worked at Morey’s Mill before meeting her husband, Leonard, who was stationed locally during his army service. They married in 1944 and went on to raise 4 children together.
Her family has grown ever since and she’s now a proud great great-grandmother who loves being surrounded by her loved ones.
Marieanne Crossley, a care worker for Southern Housing at Byrnhill Grove, said:
“It was an honour to celebrate Barbara’s big day with her. Seeing five generations of the family together was extraordinary.
“She’s a wonderful lady, popular with other residents and a shining light at Byrnhill Grove.”
