Charnwood Lodge hosts special 100th birthday celebration

Charnwood Lodge Care Home in Dumfries arranged a very special celebration for a person they support on their 100^th birthday – including a surprise visit by the Lord Lieutenant of Dumfries.

On Tuesday, Lydia Carson celebrated her 100^th birthday. Colleagues at the home and her family wanted to mark this remarkable day with a big celebration, so planned an incredible party for Lydia and her friends at the home.

The highlight of the event was a surprise visit by the Lord Lieutenant, Fiona Armstrong – Lady MacGregor of MacGregor, who hand delivered a telegram from The Queen.

Staff and family members pulled out all the stops to make the celebration one to remember. The home was decorated in pink and purple banners and balloons, Lydia’s favourite colours. Support Worker at the home, Shona Richie, also worked with her loved ones to create a stunning memory collage of photos of Lydia’s life, which was presented as a special gift. She was also presented with 100 red roses and entertained by a favourite local entertainer, Jock Robson, who serenaded party guests

Lydia said: “I cannot believe the day that I have had! It has been brilliant. I’m overwhelmed by everyone’s kindness.”

Her daughter, Audrey McMinn, added: “What the team at Charnwood have done for my mum today has been overwhelming! They have been amazing and gone above and beyond their role to ensure that mum had a fantastic day. I cannot thank them enough!”

Kerry Higgins, Assistant Service Manager at Charnwood Lodge, said: “Lydia is a warm and wonderful lady, so we wanted to celebrate her life with this big surprise party. I can’t thank my team and Lydia’s family enough for their dedication in making this happen. The decorations, gifts, food and entertainment that they arranged all made for an incredible event.”

“I’d also like to give a big thank you to the Lord Lieutenant of Dumfries, Fiona Armstrong, for her kindness in arranging this surprise visit. It was very emotional to see how much the telegraph from The Queen meant to Lydia.”