A SOMERSET resident has celebrated her 100th birthday with her family, friends, and other people living at her retirement development.
Marion Gore, who lives at Longleat Court in Frome, turned 100 on May 29 and has held several gatherings since then to mark the milestone.
She said: “I celebrated with a gathering of relatives of both my family and my husband’s family and some friends who live in Frome.
“Three days later, I had tea and cake with the residents of Longleat Court and on June 3, I attended the wedding reception of my grandson in Gloucestershire. All very enjoyable but quite tiring.”
She added: “I had gently let it be known that I did not want presents from Longleat Court residents.
“The appearance at the Longleat Court tea party of the three rose bushes, a lovely ceramic bowl, a bag of compost, a trowel and a wooden plaque with the inscription ‘Marion’s Centenary Rose’, was an overwhelming surprise.
“One bush will go onto my balcony and the other two into the garden with the plaque for the enjoyment of residents and visitors – a truly inspired birthday present.”
Marion said her main life advice is to “keep active and keep learning” but said there is no secret to reaching 100.
“I have inherited good Scottish genes, I have a regular quantity of a good mixed diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and I keep active by walking, swimming and yoga,” she said.
“But truthfully, it’s good fortune and I have had many fortunate occurrences in my life.”
Marion moved to Longleat Court 10 years ago after living in London for more than 60 years.
Longleat Court is run by FirstPort, a residential property management company.
She explained: “My flat has a balcony which overlooks the Mary Baily recreational field, an area donated to Frome Town Council for the use of elementary school children for exercise and entertainment.
“I very much enjoy watching the children performing on the skateboard frame in the fresh air.”
Sharon Whatley, FirstPort's development manager at Longleat Court, said: “Reaching 100 is an amazing achievement and it’s been great to be able to celebrate with Marion and her friends here at Longleat Court.
“We are excited to be able to add the rose bush and plaque to the garden later this year and it will be something that residents will be able to admire for years to come.”
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