Earlier this month, we were delighted to throw a special 100th birthday party for one of our residents, Avril – and her friends and family were virtually invited to celebrate with us.

Despite the current lockdown measures across the UK due to COVID-19, we still managed to help Avril celebrate in style on Saturday, 25th April, with balloons, cake, cards, and her children joining in via Facebook Portal.

Surrounded by all our friends here at Foxholes, the birthday girl was treated to a special chocolate cake made by our very own chef, as well as cards, flowers, a telegram from The Queen, and a photobook from her son Gavin, who joined virtually with Avril’s daughter Julie.

Born in 1920, Avril grew up in Streatham, south London, with her brother Peter, where she was keen on amateur dramatics and tennis. On reaching her twenties, she joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force serving on several bases around England. After the war, Avril met her future husband, Larry, a solicitor, and they were married in 1948. Their marriage lasted until Larry’s death 55 years later.

Avril lived just north of Oxford for over 60 years and worked as a school secretary at an independent school until retirement, before becoming a keen golfer and participant in the University of the Third Age, an international movement that aims to educate and stimulate retired members of the community. 

She has three grandchildren, Jacqueline, Alexander and Richard, and moved into Foxholes in 2017, where she has made many friends, all of which were able to celebrate her milestone birthday with her.

When asked how she felt on the day, Avril candidly replied: “just the same as yesterday.” Her friends and family were also surprised to see that Avril was still trying new things, having recently grown fond of orange squash, something her son had no idea about until on the day – when she was too busy drinking to talk! 

At Foxholes, we always help our residents celebrate their special day in style, especially milestone birthdays. 

To find out more about us and our services, please do browse our website. Alternatively, to see more of what we’ve been getting up to, take a look at our social media channels.