Lincoln care home resident celebrates 100th birthday with surprise party
A Lincoln care home resident has celebrated her 100th birthday with a surprise party and a special birthday message from one of her favourite BBC Look North presenters.
June Olney, a much-loved resident at OSJCT Boultham Park House in Lincoln, marked her milestone birthday on Saturday 27 June, surrounded by fellow residents, family, friends and the care home team.
Born and raised in Wandsworth, June later moved with her family to Hounslow, where she worked as a typist. It was there that she met the love of her life, Denis.
The couple lived on the same housing estate, and June fondly remembers cycling past him every day on her way to work before they eventually found the courage to speak to one another.
After they married, the couple made Lincolnshire their home, where Denis had family and went on to enjoy a successful career teaching at the local university.
Looking back on a century of memories, June said: "My happiest memory is marrying Denis. I just wish he was still here with me."
She also recalls the joy of hearing that the Second World War had come to an end. Just before her 18th birthday, while she was at work, the announcement was made, prompting her and a friend to catch a bus into London to join the celebrations, where they saw Princess Elizabeth waving to the crowds.
To make the occasion even more memorable, the team at OSJCT Boultham Park House organised a surprise birthday party complete with decorations, cake and entertainment. The celebrations were made extra special when BBC Look North presenter Peter Levy did a special birthday message just for June, delighting the birthday girl.
Kate Banks, Activity Coordinator at OSJCT Boultham Park House, said: "Reaching 100 years old is an incredible milestone, and we wanted to make sure June had a birthday to remember. She is a much-loved member of our home, and seeing the smile on her face when she received Peter Levy's special message was absolutely priceless. It was a wonderful day filled with laughter, happy memories and celebration."
Everyone at OSJCT Boultham Park House was honoured to celebrate the remarkable occasion and wishes June continued happiness, good health and many more special moments.