Chesterfield great-grandmother celebrates magical 100th birthday milestone

Great-grandmother Joan Bullock marked the big day at Ashgate House Care Home with a card of congratulations from the Queen and some treats for residents in the garden from well-known Derbyshire entertainer Wendy Watson.

Despite current safety restrictions at the home, staff say Joan enjoyed a lovely day ‘filled with many memories’.

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Julie Wainwright, team leader at the home, said: "She is a lovely lady and a pleasure to look after. It was wonderful to be able to give her such a nice day to remember.”

Joan, who is originally from Nottingham and was married to former Nottingham Forest player George Bullock, was educated at Nottingham Grammar School.

She did council jobs for many years and during the Second World War manned a telephone exchange in an underground bunker.

Joan is a big fan of detective stories, including Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot, and enjoys watching and taking part in quizzes.

She also still likes to listen to jazz music and Bing Crosby songs.

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Staff at the home say Joan speaks fondly of trips in her younger days to visit family in the United States and Canada.

Her son Peter, who used to live in Canada, was able to visit Joan on her birthday, Friday, September 25, and spoke to her through a window at the home.

“During the afternoon, Wendy Watson entertained some of the residents who were able to sit outside from a gazebo in the garden,” Julie said. “We also baked Joan a special cake. It was a day enjoyed by everyone here – both residents and staff.”

Julie added: “She is an independent lady who is more than capable of walking around the home and can still do most things herself.

"In fact, she loves to help other people and despite being 100 can often be heard to say ‘can I help?’

"She likes to put her make-up on every day and loves to look smart.

"She enjoyed her birthday and seemed particularly pleased to receive her card from the Queen.”

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