A fantastic time was had at Haling Park Care Home in South Croydon, celebrating the 100th birthday of resident Lilian Daff.
Lilian, known as Lee to her friends and family, turned 100 years old on 24th March, enjoyed her special day with family, residents and staff. Singing and dancing were the order of the day, with live entertainment, a dance performance, with beautiful cakes presented ready for Lee to cut.
Born Lillian Jane Jessie Barton in St Barts Hospital in London in 1923, Lee had one sister, Joyce, who sadly passed away in childhood. Lee attended St Luke’s Parochial School in Old Street before leaving aged 14. Her first job was working in the Royal Mint, also in Old Street. When the war broke out, Lee’s Father, who was in the Navy, was stationed in Bangor in Northern Ireland, and Lee moved there with her parents before returning to London after the war.
After her marriage to husband George Daff, Lee moved to East Grinstead. George was a Surveyor, while Lee worked on the “Tote” at Kempton and Lingfield racecourses. George and Lee enjoyed travelling often until he sadly passed away: visiting Singapore, Hong Kong and Spain, as well as traveling to America and Canada to meet with close family. Lee has also been on a concord for champagne flight and lunch.
While Lee’s favourite pastime is music and singing, she also loves sport, animals; particularly dogs, and the odd tipple of whisky.
To mark this wonderful event, the private dining room was beautifully decorated with VIP tickets given to residents to attend. Lee enjoyed lunch with her family, followed by a grand cake-cutting with staff and residents. A few happy tears were shed when Lee was presented with the King’s Birthday Card which was read to her. Following this, the party continued with live music from accordion player Talia, a dance performance from a male guest as requested by Lee, and lots of fun, laughter and memories made for many.
Prakash Bundun, the Home Manager of Haling Park commented:
“Lee has been a resident at Haling Park for four years; she is a well-loved people’s person, who enjoys the company of others. We were very privileged to be able to celebrate Lee’s 100th birthday with her, and would like to extend our congratulations on this spectacular milestone from all at Haling Park.”