Two remarkable Sutton Coldfield residents, Doreen 'Babs' Boyden and Joan Preston, have celebrated a combined 203 years of life. Babs marked her 102nd birthday, while Joan turned 101, in a joyous event at Care UK's Bishops Manor on Jockey Road.
The celebration featured balloons, dancing, and a large cake, as the pair were surrounded by fellow residents, staff, and family members who came to honour their milestone birthdays.
A Lifetime of Memories
Joan, who grew up in Birmingham and lived with her grandparents until marrying Ronald Preston, worked as a shorthand typist at the Admiralty before becoming her husband's company secretary. She enjoyed dancing with Ronald and friends, a passion she continues to share with Babs at Bishops Manor.
Reflecting on her long life, Joan advised: "Live life to the fullest and never hold back. We are only here once, so make the most of every moment and always choose happiness."
From London to Birmingham
Babs spent her early years in London before moving to Birmingham in the 1950s. She married Freddie, and together they raised four children: Andrew, Sally, Patrick, and Peter. Babs now enjoys visits from her 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, who regularly come to Bishops Manor.
After her husband passed away in 1982, Babs found new vitality by joining a Scottish dancing club, where she made friends and stayed active. Her advice to younger generations is simple: "Scottish dancing and making lots of friends!"
A Joyous Double Celebration
Jody Sedgwick, home manager at Bishops Manor, expressed the home's delight: "We love an excuse for a party, and it was an honour to raise a glass to not one but two incredible ladies. Babs and Joan are much-loved members of the Bishops Manor family and both have lived such fascinating lives. It was wonderful to hear their stories, celebrate with their families and friends and share in such a joyful double celebration."
Sedgwick added: "I think we all need to take their advice on board by dancing more and living life to the fullest! Cheers to Babs and Joan!"
