105-year-old Win shares her secret to a long life

THE SECRET to a long life is the occasional glass of red wine, according to 105-year-old Merseyside care home resident Winnifred Kennan.

The centenarian celebrates her birthday with her favourite tipple every year at Aaron Grange Care Home, Blacklow Brow, Huyton with Roby.

Having moved to the care home in October 2017, she has marked all five of her post-century birthdays with a big bash organised by staff.

This year was no different, as the care home was decorated with balloons and bunting, a buffet lunch was provided, and Win danced away to music from her favourite singer, Dame Vera Lynn.

She was joined by her family, friends, and fellow residents for the celebration, when she also opened her fifth card from Buckingham Palace.

Win has now received birthday cards from two reigning monarchs, with this year being the first from His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty The Queen Consort Camilla.

Born on 20^th April 1918, Win put her longevity down to “always being kind, loving and caring, enjoying every minute, and not forgetting a glass of red wine occasionally.”

She added: “I’ve had a lovely day. I’m very thankful for all the love and well wishes I have received.”

Win was raised in the aftermath of the First World War, having been born seven months before its end.

Her father was in the merchant navy during the War and was killed before she was born – leaving a request that she be given the family name Winnifred.

During the Second World War, Win was evacuated from Liverpool twice, once to Cheltenham and once to Wales, due to the Liverpool Blitz by the German Luftwaffe.

She later married Tobias “Tom” Kennan, and the pair were together for over 60 years before he passed away. Win said: “Tom was the best part of my life.”

Win and Tom lived in Liverpool, where he was a tailor and she was an infant school teacher, later teaching older girls with special needs at a different school. The pair were also members of The Catenian Association and helped raise money for the poor.

Win said: “We never had children, as we were far too busy with work, but I am very close to my niece Loretta, daughter to my older sister, Ilene.

“Friends Mary and Frances also are very close to me and I class them as family and love them dearly.”

Amy Muscatelli, activities coordinator at Aaron Grange Care Home, said: “Win is always the life and soul of the party, despite her advanced age.

“Every year she tells us not to forget a fine glass of red wine on her birthday and she never forgets. Even though she has reached an incredible 105 years of age, this year was no different.

“It has been a privilege to celebrate all of Win’s birthdays since she turned 100. It’s always a pleasure to talk to her about her long life. And she has a great sense of humour.

“Happy birthday again to Win from everyone at Aaron Grange Care Home.”