05 July 2022
Frome resident Marion Gore celebrated her 100th birthday in May and was greeted with an “overwhelming surprise” when she found out what she’d been gifted.
Marion, who lives at FirstPort Retirement development Longleat Court in Somerset, turned 100 on 29 May and has been busy celebrating the occasion.
She explained:
I celebrated with a gathering of relatives of both my family and my husband’s family and some friends who live in Frome.
“Three days later I had tea and cake with the residents of Longleat Court and on 3rd June I attended the wedding reception of my grandson in Gloucestershire. All very enjoyable but quite tiring.”
While she has celebrated many birthdays, Marion says this year has been her most memorable one yet.
Marion said:
“I had gently let it be known that I did not want presents from Longleat Court residents.
“The appearance at the Longleat Court tea party of the three rose bushes, a lovely ceramic bowl, a bag of compost, a trowel and a wooden plaque with the inscription ‘Marion’s Centenary Rose’, was an overwhelming surprise.
“One bush will go onto my balcony and the other two into the garden with the plaque for the enjoyment of residents and visitors – a truly inspired birthday present.”
Marion’s said her top advice in life is to “keep active and keep learning”, adding that there is no real secret to reaching 100-years-old.
She said:
“I have inherited good Scottish genes, I have a regular quantity of a good mixed diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, I keep active by walking, swimming, yoga.
“But truthfully, it’s good fortune and I have had many fortunate occurrences in my life.”
Marion moved to Longleat Court ten years ago from London, where she had been living for over 60 years.
She explained:
“My flat has a balcony which overlooks the Mary Baily recreational field, an area donated to Frome Town Council for the use of elementary school children for exercise and entertainment.
“I very much enjoy watching the children performing on the skateboard frame in the fresh air.”
Sharon Whatley, FirstPort’s Development Manager at Longleat Court, said:
Reaching 100 is an amazing achievement and it’s been great to be able to celebrate with Marion and her friends here at Longleat Court.
“We are excited to be able to add the rose bush and plaque to the garden later this year and it will be something that residents will be able to admire for years to come.”
