A Northern Ireland woman who celebrated her 107 years young birthday has revealed her secrets for living a long life; lots of long walks and raspberry ice cream!

Agnes Thompson lives in Strathearn Court Care Home on Belmont Road in Belfast, where she has lived for three years. She was born on 2 September 1915 and grew up on Ravensdale Street in east Belfast. She married Rabbie Thompson in 1938, with whom she had two sons, Roy and Ralph.

Sadly, Rabbie died in 1989 at 75 years of age, and their sons died in recent years, living until their 80s.

Born in 1915, Agnes has seen the world go through many hardships, including two pandemics, two world wars, the Berlin Wall coming down, and the reign of three Kings and the present Queen.

Throughout her life, Agnes worked in jam, sweets, and hoover factories at a local mill.

This year, Agnes received her seventh card from Her Majesty the Queen, and Irish President Michael D Higgins also recognised her most recent milestone with a card and a medal.

A positive mental attitude, according to Agnes’s granddaughter, Jean Hill, has contributed to Agnes’s longevity.

Jean said, “My grandparents had a great life together and went everywhere together. They had friends right across the divide and loved being out and about.
“Her and grandad would have thought nothing of walking to Comber from their home in Dundonald, in the days before the Greenway.”

Jean talked of how her grandmother loved ice cream and still takes an interest in everything, something she believes has served her well throughout her long life. She has even survived COVID twice.

“The staff here in the care home look after her so well, and despite being their oldest resident she’s one of the more lively ones. We’re so proud of her as a family for reaching this milestone age, and for granny, family has always come first,” Jean added.

Surrounded by grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Agnes said, “It’s lovely to have the family all with me here today,” When she was asked
how she felt turning 107, she said, “I’m just the same as I was yesterday.”

Happy Birthday, Agnes! from everyone at Strathearn Court and Haven Care Home.

Residents across our care homes celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Haven Care Home turned red, white and blue, as residents created bunting, hoisted flags and prepared for street parties and buffets.

All our homes were decorated with union jacks and residents and staff dressed up for the occasion; many in red, white and blue.

Residents and care teams celebrated the Queen’s Jubilee in the garden, weather permitting, or inside, where they all enjoyed buffet-style traditional British sandwiches and fancy cakes with cups of tea, or street party style, with favourite dishes from past jubilees.

It was singing and dancing all afternoon as residents and their families celebrated the Jubilee.
Many staff members dressed up, residents had their hair and nails done- Jubilee party spirit spread across all the homes!