Melksham resident Dolly White celebrated her 105th birthday recently with a high-tea with family and friends.
Dolly, who lives at Mavern House in Shaw, was joined by her daughter Georgina, son-in-law Jim and one of her favourite carers Owen, who came in especially on his day off to help Dolly celebrate.
When asked what her secret to a long-life is, Dolly said, “You Just do what comes along, you can’t plan it, can you? Being 105 is no different to being 104, but nice to know I’ve achieved it!”
Dolly was born in 1918 in Hackney Wick, in the East End of London and was one of four children. Her grandfather worked on the barges, her father was in the army and was posted to India for 11 years when she was born.
“She met and married Charlie who was also in the army and they moved to Wiltshire, due to Charlie’s work, and had a daughter, Georgina, who Dolly is very close with,” said the staff at Mavern House. “She also has a grandson, Steven, who is married to Betti who is German, and they live in Germany. She loves hearing from them. Family is so important to Dolly. She has many family photos in her room with names underneath to help her to remember who everyone is.
“Dolly is a vibrant member of our community at Mavern House. Thursdays are her favourite day of the week as she really enjoys the music and movement in the morning, followed by choir in the afternoon for a good old singalong. We feel so privileged to be caring for such an amazing lady.
“On her birthday, Dolly was overwhelmed by all the attention, especially her card from King Charles and Camilla.”
