Tegfield House resident celebrates 103rd birthday

Iris Humphrey had a party at Tegfield House care home, in Chilbolton Avenue, on April 23.

Singer Sarah Hobbs serenaded the care home's residents with classics by Abba and Elvis Presley.

This was followed by a lunch with an impressive cake. 

Anne Broomhead, Iris's niece, travelled from Uckfield in East Sussex to celebrate the occasion. 

She said: “Her husband was my uncle. They had no children. Her husband Rex used to be at Micheldever doing agricultural work. They lived at Eridge and worked for the Marquess of Abergavenny after the war. 

“Her husband was in the Sussex Regiment and my auntie was in the ATS. 

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“They moved to the Winchester area about 50 years ago and bought a bungalow in Oliver's Battery. Unfortunately Rex died when he was 61 so she has been on her own for a long time. 

“She didn't work, she loved her house and garden. She took to country life, but I don't think she was very keen on cows though!

“I don't know the secret to her long life, she's just amazing. She's a very special lady.”

Iris moved into Tegfield House when she was 90 and the staff said she was the oldest resident they had ever had.

Gemma Forbes, activities coordinator, said the home currently had a new extension under construction. 

She said: “We will have 15 extra on-suite bedrooms. In the middle will be a really beautiful courtyard with a sensory garden with raised flower beds. At the side of the building, we are creating a woodland walk. Hartford Care has put loads of money in to add the extension on. 

“It's planned to finish by the end of the year. We try to create a really homely atmosphere which will filter through to the new part of the building.”