Hertfordshire veteran turns 104 but says it’s ‘just another birthday’
Spirits were high at a Hertfordshire care home as a resident celebrated a milestone birthday.
Women’s Royal Army veteran, Marjorie Goeman, who lives at Care UK’s Riverside Place, in Ware, celebrated her 104th birthday surrounded by family and friends, complete with gifts and a cake specially prepared by the home’s head chef.
The special day brought everyone together to raise a toast, share memories and make sure Marjorie felt truly celebrated.
When asked about the secret to living a long life, Marjorie said: “I eat and drink what I want. I don’t do a lot of exercise, but I don’t eat things I ought not to! It’s just another birthday but I have been very lucky, some aren’t as lucky as me – I don’t feel any different to when I was 21.”
Born and raised in Birmingham, Marjorie attended Starbank Road School and enjoyed participating in art and gymnastics. Marjorie worked for the Typhoo Tea Factory for a while, before serving her country during the Second World War.
As a member of the Women’s Royal Army Corps, Marjorie was stationed in Devon, where she worked as a plotter of planes. Speaking about her experience, Marjorie said: “You can’t say you like war, but I really liked the work I did.”
It was during her time in Devon that Marjorie met her husband, George, and the couple later married and went on to have a family together. Today, Marjorie is a proud mother to Margaret and Christine, and grandmother.
Outside of work, Marjorie was an accomplished bowls player who represented Hertfordshire. After retiring from the sport, she dedicated more time to her favourite hobbies, including baking, knitting and completing jigsaws – all of which she enjoys at Riverside Place.
Commenting on the celebrations, Alin Marcu, Home Manager at Riverside Place, said: “It was a pleasure to celebrate Marjorie’s 104th birthday with her. She has led an incredibly interesting life and loves sharing her memories with her friends and team members.
“We’re committed to helping residents live fulfilling lives, which is why we love to celebrate big milestones – and Marjorie’s birthday is a huge milestone indeed and certainly called for a glass of bubbly to toast the special occasion.
“Everyone had a wonderful time celebrating this special milestone, and we'd like to wish Marjorie a very happy birthday.”
Riverside Place, operated by Care UK, provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Riverside Place has been designed to enable its residents to lead active and fulfilling lives, while also promoting independence. The building incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, café and on-site pub and bar.
To find out more about Riverside Place, please contact Alin Marcu on 01920 888900, email [email protected] or visit careuk.com/riverside-place