FAMILY and friends of a Northwich care home resident enjoyed afternoon tea to celebrate a special birthday.

Born in 1918, Bessie Beech marked her 100th birthday on Monday, April 16 at HC-One Daneside Court.

When asked about her secret to long life, her first-born daughter, Norma, said: “She used to enjoy a whiskey on a Sunday night and has always doted on her two grandchildren, who fill her with happiness.”

The youngest of 13 children, Bessie lived in Barnton, and originally worked for Broadhurst Bakery where she met her husband Alfred Beech.

Bessie was married in 1939, at the age of 21, and started her family in 1940 with the birth of Norma, aged 78. This was followed by two more children, Wendy Redfern and Graham Beech.

In 1953, she went to work as a morning cleaner at ICI for 25 years.
When Bessie later retired, she kept on house cleaning for residents around the Northwich area for a few years but, as she got older, Bessie went to stay at Daneside Court, Chesterway.

Joanne Farrell, home manager at HC-One Daneside Court, said: “Turning 100 years young is such an incredible accomplishment and we’d all love to wish her a happy birthday from all the staff and residents at Daneside.”

Sharon Lelonek, wellbeing coordinator at the home, said Bessie was overwhelmed with joy to have all her family and friends come in and celebrate the special occasion with her.

This week, her family, friends and fellow residents held a small afternoon tea party for Bessie, served in the garden where she was presented with her birthday cake, along with flowers, balloons and her telegram from the Queen to mark the milestone age.

Are any of your family members reaching a special birthday this year? Let us know by emailing andrew.nuttall@newsquest.co.uk