Birthday cheer for 100 year old Flo
Orchard Blythe Care Home in Coleshill was the venue for a special celebration recently when Florence Taylor turned 100 years of age.
Flo was joined by family and friends to celebrate her special day at the home run by Warwickshire County Council.
Born in July 1908, Flo was one of four children; a fifth child lived for just two days. Her father Joseph Wall worked at the North Warwick and then the Birch Coppice Colliery, marshalling trucks of coal, and was a Verger at the Parish Church of St Leonard for over 30 years. Flo’s mother was a member of the Mothers’ Union and also volunteered at the village church.
Florence was married in December 1934 to her husband, William and had two sons Roy and Bernard. Sadly, Bernard passed away in February 2000.
Flo lived in Dordon in the same house all of her life until four years ago, when she moved to Orchard Blythe. Flo is on the residents sub-committee at Orchard Blythe and has vivid memories of her long life.
“I lived in a miner’s terraced house in Dordon where my father worked at the colliery preparing the trucks for collecting coal. In my late teens I had jobs as a housekeeper, childminder and dairymaid,” said Flo.
Flo is described as very bright, perceptive and caring. She looked after her parents for many years and lived a very independent life. She received a birthday card from the Queen and was given a new carpet and curtains from Orchard Blythe.
Sue Waugh, Manager of Orchard Blythe said, “Florence is a very caring person and a well liked member of our home.
“She also has a great sense of humour. When we told her that we were getting her a new carpet for her birthday she asked if we could throw in a set of curtains as well.”
Florence said that she enjoys being at the home. “I like Orchard Blythe. If I behave myself I hope to stay here,” she said, with a wry smile.
Orchard Blythe is part of Warwickshire County Council’s service provision for Older People.