Card from The Queen has special significance for East Preston centenarian

Josephine Harwood celebrated her 100th birthday alongside Chris Northeast, who turned 93, at The Martlets, which is operated by Shaw healthcare.

Josephine was thrilled to receive a card from the Queen, especially as she used to work in a London department store which was well known for making hats for Her Majesty.

The residents were treated to a tea party, with family, friends and East Preston Parish Council vice-chairman Elizabeth Linton joining in via Zoom.

Alison Worms, home manager, said: “Even though the celebrations are slightly different to what we would have planned due to current restrictions, we hope both Josephine and Chris enjoyed themselves.

“They are both wonderful characters and everyone loves hearing the stories they have to tell.”

Josephine was an only child, born in London to musician parents, and she was a keen ice-skater in her youth.

After leaving school, Josephine went to work in the department store. She later met and married Lawrence and they went on to have four children, living in several towns along the south coast over the years.

Despite being partially blind in both eyes, Josephine remains very independent and active in the home.

Chris was born in Oxfordshire and was one of 12 children. During the War, she spent much of her time working in factories, before becoming a full-time mother to her three children.

She moved into the home five years ago.

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