Resident Celebrates 100th Birthday During Lockdown
Dorothy Blackaby, who has been a resident at Ashview Nursing Home since 2018, recently celebrated her 100th with a socially-distanced garden party.
Born in Stansted Mountfitchet, Dorothy started her career working as a live-in housekeeper and cook for local midwives. In 1942, she moved to Sawbridgeworth with her husband Alfred and they ran The Good Intent Public House located on Station Road.
Working in catering for all of her working years, Dorothy retired at 70 but remained an active member of the community, becoming a member at the Evergreen Club, the Silver Lining Club, and the Hailey Centre for many years. She became a member at St James Church in High Wych from 1990 when Alfred died and was at rest there, walking three miles on Sunday mornings well into her eighties. After the service, she would help serve tea and coffee as a volunteer.
Carehome.co.uk review from Diana, daughter of Dorothy: "Ashview have got it right in the way they care and look after their residents. They keep in touch with the family and nothing is too much trouble. The manager is open to discussion about anything and everything to improve the wellbeing of the individual. Hats off to them all, in these troubled times they have looked after us all very impressive."
Daniela and the team at Ashview arranged a socially-distanced garden party to celebrate the centenarian’s birthday. The garden was decorated in yellow decorations and flowers as requested by Dorothy. All the residents joined in with the birthday celebrations, enjoying a glass of prosecco and singing Happy Birthday to Dorothy. Ashview’s chef made a beautiful and tasty cake which was served at tea time.
Home Manager, Daniela said; “We wanted Dorothy to feel special on celebrating such an amazing age. As the weather was so beautiful, we decided to have a social distancing party in the garden, with residents and staff toasting Dorothy with a glass of Prosecco. It was such a special day for all of us at Ashview."
Dorothy received over 50 cards on her big day which included a card from the Queen.
A bigger party will go ahead for centenarian Dorothy when the home can open its doors to visitors once again.
