CELEBRATIONS have been in full swing at Henford House Care Home in Warminster as its oldest resident was the special guest at a party for her 101st birthday.

Mary Hillman, formerly of Upton Scudamore, celebrated her special birthday on Thursday, January 6 with staff and residents at the home in Lower Marsh Road.

Two special friends from Upton Scudamore, Sue De Souza, and Mary's former live-in carer, Lily, dropped into the visiting suite to see her cut a lovely birthday cake and open her cards from the community after an appeal to make the day extra special.

Mary was born in 1921 in Turkey and moved with her family to Aleppo in Syria. She met her husband, Roy Hillman, whilst training in communications during the Second World War.

They moved to Saudi Arabia as he served in the Royal Air Force before settling in the UK, although they continued to travel widely.

In retirement the couple moved to the village of Upton Scudamore where they spent many happily married years. The couple had one son Robin Hillman who died aged 45.

Before moving to Henford House at the end of 2019, Mary was a daily visitor to the café at Morrisons in Warminster for lunch.

When the home contacted Megan Fear, the store's community champion, they were delighted to provide her with balloons and a special hamper to celebrate the day.

Staff and management also sent cards which she enjoyed reading surrounded by flowers and gifts.

Debbie Phillips, activity coordinator at Henford House, said: “Mary is amazing, she is bright and cheerful, we have arranged for Sophie to play the piano this afternoon as she loves music, Julie Andrews in Sound of Music and Andre Rieu are firm favourites.”

Charlie Osgood, general manager of Henford House, added: “We’re delighted to be celebrating a truly remarkable lady as she reaches this amazing milestone.

"Mary is such a popular resident having moved here when she was 99, we are so pleased to be sharing this special day with her and her friends.”

Mr Osgood says Henford House's varied life enrichment programme helps to keep residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to their interests and abilities.

He added: "We’re making our homes as safe as possible and will ensure that all new residents and staff are vaccinated before moving in or working in our homes."

Henford House is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals.

Henford House provides nursing care, residential care, respite and longer term care. At its last Care Quality Commission inspection in April 2021 it was rated as 'Requires Improvement'.

For more information, call the home on 01985 881035 if you are looking for care or need any further help.