Guysfield Resident Doris Celebrates Turning ‘100 Years Young’ With Elvis And Unicorns
When a milestone birthday approaches at Caring Homes, our teams make sure it’s a day to remember that’s completely tailored to the wishes and needs of the resident - and Guysfield certainly pulled out all the stops for Doris.
A Few of My Favourite Things
With Doris’s 100th birthday on the horizon, the team at Guysfield Residential Home in Letchworth, Hertfordshire, began planning an event in her honour with military precision. Information about all her favourite things was gathered from Doris and her family, and Wellbeing team member, Kate, started work on a stunning birthday cake.
Doris takes great pleasure in many of the activities and events that take place at Guysfield, so it seemed fitting that her birthday would be action packed and full of special guests.
A Full English Breakfast Fit for a Queen
On the morning of the big day - February 17th - the team decorated the home with balloons and banners, ready for the party. The birthday girl came down for breakfast wearing a tiara and a sash, ready to tuck into her favourite ‘full English’. Doris told everyone, “I feel like a queen”, which was fitting as a birthday card from the King had arrived and been presented, making her feel extremely special and rather important!
Unicorns, Guinea Pigs and a Special Birthday Lunch
At 10am two ‘unicorns’ arrived as a surprise for Doris, bringing a lovely birthday card and a pink rosette for her to wear. Doris was very touched by this gesture and proudly wore her rosette for the rest of the day. She really enjoyed stroking and patting the ponies and said she was feeling like a little girl again. “I’m having a wonderful day”, remarked Doris, as the ponies departed and she was joined by family members. Birthday lunch was served and included all of Doris’s favourite things – a celebratory glass of prosecco, baked salmon served with vegetables, and strawberry gateaux to finish.
Later that afternoon, children from St Christopher, a local school whose pupils are regular visitors, arrived with some adorable fluffy friends - guinea pigs, Sandy and Barley and two rabbits, Snowy and Caramel. Doris loved petting and stroking them and Sandy was clearly her favourite but she declared herself very happy and having a wonderful time, despite Sandy having to leave the party before the end!
Elvis is in the Building!
The departure of Sandy was followed by the arrival of Elvis! Doris’s chosen entertainer sang happy birthday then presented the beautiful cake that Kate had made, covered with an array of Doris’s chosen flowers. Candles were blown out and champagne corks were popped, (the champagne was a kind donation from Duncan, the son of another resident), then Doris had a dance with Elvis, as did many of the other residents. Elvis knelt and serenaded Doris before performing a selection of popular tunes, which was fantastic entertainment for all the residents, but especially for Doris who told everyone, “You’ve made my day – I couldn’t have wished for a better birthday.”
Elvis left the building but the party carried on. More music was played including Doris’s favourite song, ‘I Just Called To Say I Love You’ and the supper buffet included birthday cake, fizz - and a gin and tonic for the birthday queen who marked 100 years in some style!
Welcome to Guysfield Care Home in Letchworth, Hertfordshire
You can find us in the beautiful conservation village of Willian, just a mile to the south of Letchworth Garden City, in Hertfordshire. With all the amenities of a modern home, you’ll find first-class facilities with exciting activities, and plenty of places to relax or entertain.
Around our care home in Hertfordshire, there are beautiful gardens to explore. Our residents like to make the most of local amenities also – including the village shop, post office and our local pubs: ‘The Fox’ and ‘The Three Horseshoes’.
