Wellingborough woman celebrates 101st birthday

A former ballroom dancer has celebrated her 101st birthday with a tea party at her Wellingborough care home.

Centenarian Joan Furniss was joined by residents and staff for the celebrations at Lancum House in Wellingborough.

Born in Northamptonshire, Joan moved to Australia briefly as a child before returning to the UK as a teenager.

She met her future husband, Aubrey, while working at a munitions factory during World War Two.

The couple later married and saw their family grow to include four children, 17 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Joan, who was a keen ballroom dancer in her youth, cited having a “healthy mind and body” as her secret to old age.

Alysha Coleman, manager at the Shaw healthcare-operated Lancum House, said: “While the ongoing pandemic meant we were unable to put on the party we would have liked, we hope that Joan enjoyed her tea party and the sweet treats on show.

“Having lived in Lancum House for almost three years, Joan has become a close friend to many of our staff and residents and we were delighted to celebrate her 101st birthday with this party.”

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