Housing association marks resident's 100th birthday

Published by Neil Shaefer for Durham Aged Mineworkers' Homes Association in Housing and also in Communities

The Queen was just one of many people who wished Ann Horrocks a happy 100^th birthday.

 The telegram from Buckingham Palace was among dozens of cards, gifts and letters sent to the centenarian, who lives in Tobin Street, Deaf Hill, Trimdon.

 Ann, who was surrounded by family and friends at a party held in her honour on 9^th February, said she was touched by all the attention she has received.

“It is lovely to have my family and friends with me and to receive so many cards and presents,” she said.

Aside from the Queen’s telegram, Ann, who has two children, five grand-children and six great grand-children, also received a letter from the Australian branch of the Mother’s Union. She was a member of the UK branch for over 40 years.

Ann was also presented with a bouquet of flowers from Gordon Gray, Chief Executive of the Durham Aged Mineworkers’ Homes Association (DAMHA), which owns her property. DAMHA provide homes to former mineworkers and their families and Ann’s late husband James was a miner for many years.

Gordon said: “Doing presentations to mark special occasions like this is one of the best parts about my job and it is nice to be part of the celebrations for such a wonderful lady.”

Explaining Ann’s longevity, her daughter, also called Ann, said: “She is very independent, has a great sense of humour and is surrounded by her family and friends, who ensure she has everything she needs.

“My mum has lived in her DAMHA home for over ten years and she says moving here was the best thing she has ever done.”