Doris celebrates milestone 107th birthday!
A spritely great grandmother from Basingstoke celebrated her milestone 107th birthday with family, friends and the team at her Sanctuary Care home.
Doris Blow celebrated her special day with loved ones and friends at Basingfield Court Residential Care Home recently.
Born at University College Hospital in London, Doris grew up in Wood Green and spent her early years in the capital. Her first job was as a typist for a film company in Soho, but her favourite role was working in administration for the NHS.
In 1941, Doris married her first husband, Sidney, whom she met at his father’s tea shop. Sidney served in Africa with the Grenadier Guards, and the couple endured four years apart during the war. Doris vividly recalls a doodlebug landing on her kitchen roof and fondly giggles when speaking of “handsome men in uniforms” and the days when men dressed smartly in hats.
A love of travel
Later in life, Doris travelled extensively with her second husband, Ron, visiting destinations such as New Zealand, Singapore, San Francisco, and the Bahamas. She eventually retired to Lowestoft, Suffolk, where her passion for gardening even earned her a feature in a gardening magazine. Doris moved to Alton, where she lived for 20 years before moving to Basingfield Court last year.
Despite her many adventures, Doris still has one daring ambition: skydiving. “What is there to tell? I’ve always wanted to jump out of an aeroplane; in fact I’ve always wanted to do a lot of silly things,” she laughs.
Doris has always been active – from playing hockey as a girl to cycling throughout her life. She proudly notes that she has never smoked, saying, “It simply wasn’t one of my vices – in fact I’ve never really had any vices!”
Living life to the full
Today, she remains very active, joining in with exercise sessions at the care home, choir practice, animal visits, bingo, and socialising with her fellow residents.
Family has always been central to Doris’ life. She is the proud mother of two children, with five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
When asked about her outlook on life, Doris reflects: “Well life has all sorts of highs and lows, but I take them all as they come.” She adds, “You just need to mind your own business, keep yourself to yourself, and take each day as it comes.” And with a smile, she quotes another famous Doris: “Que sera sera.”
Doris celebrated her special day with a tea party at the home, with a special visit from the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Councillor Colin Phillimore.
For more about life at Basingfield Court, visit Basingfield Court Residential Care Home in Basingstoke
