ONE of the south of England’s oldest residents celebrated her birthday at a Dorset care home surrounded by family and loved ones.

Dorothy Parker recently celebrated her 104th birthday at Colten Care’s Brook View in West Moors.

To celebrate the milestone achievement, Dorothy enjoyed an extravagant layered strawberry and vanilla birthday cake topped with strawberries.

Born in 1920 and brought up in Northampton with three brothers and three sisters, Dorothy worked in a shoe factory before the Second World War.

Reflecting on her youth, Dorothy said: “I remember the war and having to ration sugar. I like sugar.

"Aside from that, my fondest memories are all about watching my children grow up.

“I still feel 90, I don’t know where that time’s gone but I am looking forward to having a big cake for my 105th next year.”

Dorothy also shared what she believes is the secret to a long and happy life, “be happy and have a cup of tea”.

Son-in-law Keith Adams, Julie’s husband, explained how Dorothy was forced to celebrate her 100th birthday on Zoom as it fell during lockdown and the Covid pandemic.

Bournemouth Echo:

More than 60 family and friends joined her online at the time to wish her well.

Thanking the team at Brook View for their support and care in looking after Dorothy and staging her 104th, Keith said: “It was lovely to have this party for her. We loved seeing her enjoy it so much.”

Companionship team leader Lauren Parrett said: “Dorothy is an active lady who enjoys armchair exercise, quizzes, going to the seaside on minibus trips and spending time with her family. On a sunny day, she loves sitting by our garden pond with a cup of tea and a slice of cake.”

Dorothy was also joined by best friend Peggy who was celebrating her 91st birthday on the same day.  

Chef Jack baked a lemon cake for Peggy and joined colleagues to sing a hearty Happy Birthday to both ladies.

Singer Bee Chumley also joined in with the celebrations to serenade Dorothy with her favourites, White Cliffs of Dover, Singing in the Rain and Thank you for the Music which brought the guests from their seats to the dancefloor.