A woman from Bermondsey and Rotherhithe celebrated her 101st birthday this week, with family, friends, cake and champagne.
Violet Butler, who was born in 1920, had a party at Anchor’s Rose Court care home on Lower Road in Southwark, where she has lived for nearly two years, on Wednesday (June 29).
Mayor of Southwark Cllr Barrie Hargrove and his wife Mary Doherty also wished Violet happy birthday over Zoom.
Mrs Butler said: “What a day, I can’t quite believe I’m 101! Turning 100 was a big event but getting to 101 is incredible too! I’m so happy that I can celebrate today with my family and friends in person especially after the past 18 months. For me, the secret to a long life is to eat healthy foods and to always be happy!
“I’d like to say a big thank you to the team at Anchor’s Rose Court care home for organising all the fun and to our lovely Mayor and Mayoress for joining me with a video call. It’s astonishing what you can do with modern technology!”
Violet was born in Bermondsey in 1920 and lived for many years in Rotherhithe with her husband, Ted. During the war, she worked in the London Docks building ships for the Royal Navy before working at the Peek Freans Biscuit Factory. She moved to Anchor’s Rose Court care home in February 2020.
Sue Maheshwaree, manager of Anchor’s Rose Court care home, said: “Mrs Butler is a lovely person, and we’re delighted to be celebrating her 101st birthday with her and that the Mayor and Mayoress of Southwark could join as well!
“Mrs Butler is a real cornerstone of the community here at Anchor’s Rose Court care home. She loves chatting with every member of the team and is always has lovely stories to tell!”
At last, a story to put a smile on peoples faces. Happy birthday Violet