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Lulworth House care home resident celebrates 100th birthday in lockdown with Wimbledon themed party

A resident from a care home in Maidstone has refused to let lockdown ruin her 100th birthday by celebrating with a tennis themed party.

Betty Searls, from Lulworth House care home on Queen's Avenue, used to be an office worker at the Chatham Dockyard.

Betty Searls celebrated her 100th birthday at Lulworth care home in Maidstone
Betty Searls celebrated her 100th birthday at Lulworth care home in Maidstone

Betty has also spent time as a dress maker and, during World War Two, she worked for the fire service.

Although away from her family, Betty who's a keen tennis fan, celebrated her birthday with fellow residents and staff at the care home.

Betty said: "I can't believe I'm 100-years-old, I liked my birthday very much."

Activities co-ordinator, Agnieszka Kalicka, helped organise Betty's special day.

She said: "Betty is a tennis fan who watches Wimbledon every year. She used to play tennis in her younger years.

"Myself and my colleague Krissy got creative making decorations which included tennis balls and tennis courts hanging from the ceiling the other residents got involved transforming the care home.

"Strawberry and Pimm's were on the menu and a tennis themed cake was made. There was also table tennis and plenty of bubbly.

"Due to this being a difficult time for families to visit, we spoke to Betty's daughter Anne over Facetime so she could still be part of the day.

"It meant she was there to see us present Betty with her very special message from the Queen.

"We also sent the family pictures throughout the day so they felt part of Betty's special celebrations."

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone

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