Celebrating 100 years in style
Kate Hart from Rochester,
celebrated her 100th birthday in style with a card from
Her Majesty the Queen, a visit from the Mayor of Medway Councillor
David Royle, a surprise visit from a Pearly King and Queen and a
big three figured birthday cake from staff and Directors at mhs
homes.
Councillor Royle who presented Kate
with a bouquet of flowers said, "I am very pleased to be part of
this very special day. Kate comes from Bermondsey and I actually
taught at a school there, so it was nice to have a chat about the
area in which she grew up."
When Kate was born in 1910 George V
was on the throne and H. H. Asquith was Prime Minister. She married
her husband Harry, on 31st August 1935 in Rotherhithe
where she called home. Only 4 years later the Second World War
started which was devastating to families who lived in and around
London. Harry was called up for National Service, posted to North
Wales serving in a searchlight platoon in the Royal Artillery
while, Kate continued living in the Rotherhithe and Surrey Docks
area of South London, enduring the hardship, food shortages, and
the terror of "The Blitz". Kate was forced to evacuate several
homes due to bomb damage.
Kate lost her husband Harry in 1994
at the age of 87. In 1998 she moved to Rochester Kent, to Yeoman
House, a Sheltered Housing Scheme owned by mhs homes. After 88
Years…… always living in Rotherhithe, it was an emotional and
challenging decision to have to make but Kate wanted to be nearer
to her son David. David said, "Moving to Rochester was one of the
best decisions Mum ever made and her new home and sheltered scheme
environment has given her an enormous sense of security which has
helped her to find a new lease of life. Mum still has her
independence but she gets enhanced medical care and attention from
some marvellous support agencies."
Kate loves nothing better than a
good sing-along. She celebrated her birthday with her son David,
two grandsons Russell and Neville and two great grand children
Isabelle(4) and Finley(2). mhs homes arranged for Pearly King and
Queen John and Peggy Scott to join the party for a few cockney
favourite songs. Neighbours from Yeoman House and many other
friends joined in and later they all listened to a performance from
The Kingfisher choir.
Thrilled with her card from the
Queen and the many birthday surprises Kate said, "My secret for
long life is to enjoy a normal lifestyle, be happy, and keep
singing. Sing a happy song every day!".