100 up for Sutton’s Mary

Sutton resident Mary Wharmby enjoyed a surprise party to go with a congratulatory message from her majesty the Queen to mark her 100th birthday.
Memorable day: Mary Wharmby on her 100th birthday with step daughter Rosemary and Manor staff.Memorable day: Mary Wharmby on her 100th birthday with step daughter Rosemary and Manor staff.
Memorable day: Mary Wharmby on her 100th birthday with step daughter Rosemary and Manor staff.

Mary, who has resided at Sutton Manor Residential Home since November 2011, was delighted when several of her family travelled from Wales to see her on her big day.

“Mary is a lovely lady who likes to keep active by going on the trips and taking part in the entertainment we arrange,” said activities coordinator Melissa Carter.

“She also likes to read the newspaper and chat to her close friend Brenda Bonner. They do so much together and get on with each other really well.

“But Mary has a lot of other friends at the home too and is well-liked by everyone.

“We kept the party secret and arranged a singer as part of the entertainment.

“There were 14 or 15 people who came to see her, including her nieces and nephews, and she loved it.”

Mary was born on 9th June 2014 and has lived through two World Wars and three London Olympic Games (1908, 1948 and 2012).

She has also been alive for the reign of 19 different prime minsters, from Herbert Asquith through to current incumbent David Cameron.

The year of her birth saw the average cost of a pint of beer at twopence-halfpenny (one new penny), a four-cylinder car cost £730 and dinner at the Savoy seven shillings and sixpence (37 1/2 pence).

Mary first married Arthur on 10th June 1935, but after he passed away she re-married, to John, and became step mother to Rosemary.

During her days in employment, she worked in the insurance industry for 26 years.

After her retirement, she liked to holiday overseas with friends before coming to the residential home.

Even now Mary likes to go for walks in Sutton, visit garden centres and go on boat trips.

Melissa added: “A lot of people can’t believe that she is 100 and have said that to her. I know a lot of people who work here can’t believe it either.

“She is full of life and certainly has plenty of fighting spirit in her.”