100th Birthday Banquet Fit for a Queen at The Dower House

A very special milestone was celebrated at The Dower House in Headbourne Worthy recently, as resident Mrs Hirst marked her 100th birthday surrounded by family, friends and fellow residents.

The celebrations began with a truly memorable moment when a birthday card from Their Majesties The King and Queen was presented to Mrs Hirst by Major General Alastair Bruce of Crionaich on behalf of the Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire. Major General Bruce, well known as a former Governor of Edinburgh Castle, historical advisor to Downton Abbey and royal commentator, attended in full military uniform, as a Deputy Lieutenant for Hampshire, and presented the card in front of Mrs Hirst’s family and guests ahead of a special birthday banquet organised by The Dower House. Speaking at the celebration, Major General Bruce said:

“My family has known Mrs Hirst for many years, and I was honoured when the Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire asked me to attend. To be able to present a birthday message from His Majesty on such a significant occasion makes it even more special.”

Mrs Hirst was delighted by the occasion and the opportunity to celebrate with those closest to her.

“I’ve had such a wonderful day, especially receiving a card from Their Majesties The King and Queen presented by Alastair, and of course being able to spend time with my family and my wonderful great-grandchildren.”

The celebrations continued with a specially prepared banquet in The Dower House’s elegant drawing room, where family and friends gathered to mark a remarkable century of life, memories and achievements.

Mrs Hirst’s daughter, Georgina, said:

“The Dower House put on a wonderful birthday celebration for Mum. She was understandably reluctant to leave her own home just six weeks ago, but from the day she arrived she has been made to feel welcome. She often comments on how kind everyone is and now truly calls The Dower House home. We can completely understand why. What a wonderful way to celebrate such an important birthday.”

Mrs Hirst now joins a remarkable group of centenarians living at The Dower House. With four residents aged 100 or over, the home is proud to support an extraordinary generation whose lives have spanned periods of immense social, cultural and historical change.

Chris Golding, Chief Operating Officer at The Dower House, said:

“Reaching 100 years of age is an extraordinary achievement and it was a privilege for all of us to celebrate this milestone with Mrs Hirst and her family. Seeing her surrounded by loved ones and so clearly enjoying every moment of the day was incredibly special. Our aim is always to help residents continue to live rich, fulfilling lives, and this was a wonderful example of that.”

The Dower House would like to extend its thanks to Major General Alastair Bruce of Crionaich and the Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire for helping to make the occasion so memorable.

The Dower House is an independent, privately owned residential and nursing care home in Headbourne Worthy, Winchester. Set within five acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, the home provides high-quality residential, nursing and respite care, alongside a varied programme of activities and experiences designed to support residents’ wellbeing, independence and quality of life.