Surprise 102nd birthday party of Peterlee resident Louise

CENTENARIAN Louise Perry celebrated her 102^nd birthday with a surprise party attended by friends and family.

The Bannatyne Lodge Care Home resident did not know she was getting a party until her relatives showed up with cards, cake and balloons.

She was presented with gifts and flowers by fellow residents and staff at the home, in Peterlee, who all wished her well and sang happy birthday.

Louise was born in Sunderland at the height of the First World War, in May 1917, shortly after the US joined the fight against Germany.

She moved to the town of Easington, in County Durham, with her parents and attended now closed Horden Higher Tops School.

Having passed her exams with flying colours, Louise left school at 15 and took a job at a shop called Thomas Red Stamp Stores, where she earned six shillings a week. She eventually joined the council workforce.

Louise met her husband, Douglas, at a party and they later married at St Mary’s Church, in Easington when she was 22. Sadly, Douglas passed away a number of years ago.

The couple enjoyed going to the cinema and dancing at the local welfare club. Louise was also a keen golfer and had a membership at a local club.

Louise and Douglas have a daughter, Pauline, who is now 78, and four grandchildren, Jeremy, Simon, Adrian and Amber. Louise also has two great grandchildren.

Asked her secret to a long life, Louise said: “I never smoked or drank alcohol but I think the key to a long life is having a good family around you. Family has always been an important factor in my life.”

Having lived in County Durham her entire life, Louise moved to Bannatyne Lodge Care Home, just two miles from Easington, in April 2019.

Home manager Lynn Chapman said: “102 is an incredible age and we were so pleased to celebrate with Louise and her family.

“She had a wonderful day and loved the surprise party. She shared her amazing birthday cake with her family and friends, who all wished her well.”