Raise a glass to Winifred on her 103rd birthday

“DON’T forget the wine” joked a 103-year-old Winifred Kennan when care home staff wished her a happy 103rd birthday.

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

She received cards, cakes, and a delivery of flowers from her family on her big day, before enjoying a buffet lunch with a glass of white and a party with fellow residents.

Win, as she prefers to be called, said: “I don’t feel anywhere near 103. I had a lovely day celebrating. I’m looking forward to next year’s party already.”

Win was born on 20th April 1918, seven months before the end of the First World War.

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 Winifred.

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.”

Win moved into Aaron Grange Care Home in October 2017 and celebrated her centenary with staff, fellow residents, and family the following year.

Amy Muscatelli, activities coordinator at Aaron Grange Care Home, said: “When I wished Win a happy birthday and told her we were going to be having a party, she laughed “don’t forget the wine”.

“She has a great sense of humour and it’s always a pleasure to talk to her about her long life.

“Everyone at Aaron Grange would like to congratulate Win on her 103^rd birthday. What an achievement!”