An Audlem nursing home’s oldest resident has highlighted sport and crosswords as the secrets to her long life.
Lucy Pritchard celebrated her 105th birthday with a special party on Christmas Day at Corbrook Court Nursing Home where she was joined by staff and fellow residents.
Mrs Pritchard also received a telegram from the Queen congratulating her on the milestone.
She was born near Chester in 1904, the same year as King Edward VII was on the throne, Arthur Balfour was Prime Minister, the ice cream cone was invented and the first Rolls Royce car was manufactured.
Mrs Pritchard said: “It was wonderful to spend the day surrounded by family and friends at Corbrook Court.
“The staff knew I didn’t want any fuss made but they surprised me with a birthday cake which was a lovely treat.
“I’ve had a long and fulfilling life, I’ve kept active and been able to live independently until the age of 100.”
Mrs Pritchard lived in the village of Tattenhall, near Chester, for fifty years with her husband Francis and three sons and worked as a registrar before retiring to Manchester where she lived with one of her sons.
She was a keen hockey, tennis and badminton player until her late 60’s and eventually moved back to Cheshire, moving into Corbrook Court when she was 102.
Nurse manager Lesley Bradbury said: “Mrs Pritchard has been a much valued resident during her three years with us and is regarded with much affection by all her family and friends.
“She is a warm, friendly lady, popular with both staff and residents alike, and everyone enjoyed celebrating her special day with her on Christmas Day.
“Mrs Pritchard was reluctant to celebrate her birthday and didn’t want a party because she is a very modest lady and private when it comes to celebrating such a milestone.
“She really is a remarkable lady and at 105 years old, she is generally in good health.
Mrs Pritchard still enjoys the mental workout of a crossword everyday and her advice to others is “work hard, play hard and eat your vegetables.”
