Florence celebrates 101st birthday with care home party

FAMILY and friends celebrated the 101^st birthday of former church volunteer and school pianist Florence Chettle.

Her milestone was marked with a party at Barnfield Care Home, in Chesterfield, where she has lived since March 2018.

Florence was joined by three generations of her family for the day, when she was presented with two specially made cakes, cards and gifts.

She has three children, eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren who live in Canada, America and Australia, as well as the UK.

Alongside a card from the Queen, members of Florence’s family unable to attend the care home party sent celebratory cards and greetings from around the world.

Florence was born in Nottingham on 15^th April 1918.

In 1945 she married Frank Chettle, a headteacher at Tapton House School, in Chesterfield. They were married for over 66 years, before Frank passed away in 2011.

Florence moved from Nottingham to Norwich, Worcestershire and, finally, Chesterfield during her married life.

She carried out voluntary work for the Methodist church, ran a playgroup and played the piano in various schools. She also has a lifelong interest in knitting and baking.

Tracey Turner, home manager at Barnfield Care Home, on Heath Road, said: “We celebrated Florence’s 100^th birthday just a month after she moved into the home in March last year.

“It was amazing to see so many members of her family here again to mark her 101^st this year – alongside all of our residents and staff wishing her well.

“She had a brilliant day and got so many lovely cards and gifts.”