Great-grandmother marks 100th birthday at Oundle care home

A former president of Oundle Choral Society has celebrated her 100th birthday at a county care home.

Centenarian Sheila Akroyd was joined by residents and staff for the celebrations at Abbott House in Oundle, which involved a tea party and lots of video calls from family members.

Growing up near Huddersfield, Yorkshire, Sheila met her husband-to-be, Donald, getting married after World War Two.

The couple have two adopted children, two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Music played a big part in Sheila’s life.

She played the organ each week at the Congregational church (now the Stahl theatre) and then at Barnwell church for 40 years.

She was an accompanist for Oundle Music Festival, and long-term member of Oundle Choral Society – later becoming its president, even representing them at a party hosted by the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

Sheila chalked her impressive age up to her family, who “have always gone above and beyond to look out for her”.

Julie Chinnick, manager at the home operated by Shaw healthcare, said: “While the ongoing pandemic meant we were unable to put on the party we would have liked, we hope that Sheila enjoyed the celebrations we were able to arrange.

“Having lived in Abbott House for three years, Sheila has become a close friend to many of our staff and residents and we were delighted to celebrate her milestone birthday with her.”

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