There was a very special birthday to celebrate at Kingfisher House Care Home in Newmarket, as our lovely Avril turned an incredible 105 years old!
On Thursday 15th October, Avril was joined by her family, friends, fellow residents and our team for a birthday celebration complete with 105 balloons, music, party food and a chocolate birthday cake lovingly made by our Kitchen Assistant, Jo.
Our Deputy Manager, Nelsie, also created beautiful flower-shaped balloon arrangements, while photographs of Avril throughout her life were displayed for everyone to enjoy, including a special picture brought in by her daughter Julie of Avril with her sisters when they were younger.
And there was another exciting surprise: a birthday card from King Charles III and Queen Camilla! Having received a card from Queen Elizabeth II for her 100th birthday, Avril now has royal birthday wishes from two monarchs.
Celebrating 105 Years of Avril
Born in Dorset in October 1921, Avril has lived through more than a century of history, including the Second World War, when she served in the Women’s Auxiliary Service and worked in London during the Blitz.
It was during her wartime service that she met her future husband, and just five months later, they were married!
After the war, the couple settled in Newmarket, where they raised their three children, Julie, Alan and Sandy.
Avril became a familiar part of the local community, singing alto in the choir at All Saints Church and putting her sewing skills to good use, making everything from dresses to tablecloths.
She’s always been someone who likes to keep busy, whether that’s knitting, playing the piano or spending time outdoors.
Her children have plenty of memories of their mum’s adventurous and independent nature, from swimming trips and countryside walks to the fact that she continued driving until she was 95!
Her son Alan shared:
“It’s wonderful to still have your mother at such a great age. We’re all thrilled to bits that she’s still doing okay. She always looked after people and was the first to go and help them, which was lovely. She was a very independent person.”
A Family Tradition at Kingfisher House
Birthdays have always been important to Avril’s family, and since she moved to Kingfisher House nearly six years ago, they’ve continued the tradition of celebrating together.
This year was certainly no exception! Here are just a few of our favourite photos:

Her daughter Julie said:
“We’re pleased and excited that she has reached this age. She received a card from the Queen when she turned 100, and now she has one from the King at 105, which is very exciting.”
Our Home Manager, Rubina, added:
“Avril has been part of Kingfisher House for nearly six years, and it’s lovely to hear her family share stories about her life, from her wartime experiences to the years she spent raising her children and helping others in Newmarket.
We’re so pleased to be celebrating this special birthday with Avril and her family, and everyone at Kingfisher House wishes her a very happy 105th birthday.”
At Kingfisher House, getting to know our residents as individuals and understanding the people, interests and traditions that matter to them is an important part of how we provide personalised care.
We love welcoming families into our home and helping residents continue the traditions they’ve enjoyed throughout their lives. For Avril, that means celebrating her birthday surrounded by the people who know and love her.
Happy 105th birthday, Avril!
