Happy 100th birthday Constance!: Community comes together to make day extra special

All smiles from Constance on her 100th birthday.

The past few months during lockdown have been tough for residents at the Sandpiper Care Home in Alford - as well as their families and the staff who look after them.

However, Covid-19 restrictions were not going to spoil Constance Mailer's big birthday.

Home Manager Kelly Davies, her team, and the local community, pulled out all the stops.

Many of the cards Constance received were made by Alford Primary School children.

Constance received over 100 birthday cards, many of whom were from the children of the Alford Primary school. Local baker ‘The Cake Mama’ baked and decorated a beautiful birthday cake, Fantasy Sleepovers created a stunning balloon archway in the home in her honour, and armfuls of bouquets arrived all week.

Overwhelmed at the generously of friends and the local community, Constance said she was happy to accept the many gestures and gifts of congratulations to mark her 100th birthday.

Her most prized possession on the day was of the day was, of course, her greetings card from Her Majesty the Queen.

Birthday celebrations were carried out safely and respectfully. Throughout the pandemic the team at the home have worked tirelessly to ensure residents are safe and continue to receive the quality care they deserve.

Local baker ‘The Cake Mama’ baked and decorated a beautiful birthday cake.

Home manager Kelly Davies is proud that 100% of the homes residents and 92% of staff have received their COVID vaccines.

Everyone at the home has maintained a positive approach and are hopeful that the country is now on a pathway back to some sense normality.

Deputy Manager Tiffany Kirkham said: “We celebrate everyone’s birthday at Sandpiper, but a 100th birthday is extra special.

"Constance is a lovely lady; we wanted her birthday to be an occasion to remember.

Fantasy Sleepovers created a stunning balloon archway.

"We were all overwhelmed at the generosity of our friends, neighbours and the local community who were so kind and giving so that Constance could enjoy her birthday, and she most certainly did, becoming a Centenarian is a great cause for celebration!”

Born in London, Constance enjoyed a long and happy career working in a city bank. She married Alistair in 1949 and went on to have a daughter, Penelope who now lives in Scotland but is in regular contact with Constance. Constance moved to Alford in September 1983 and has been a resident at Sandpiper since December 2019.

If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, please call Kelly on 01507 462112, or email the home on [email protected] .