Margery’s 104th Birthday Is Pure Magic

One of the south’s oldest residents experienced a little magic as she celebrated her 104th birthday at the Dorset care home where she has lived for the past five years.

Centenarian Margery Haynes’ big day at Colten Care’s Amberwood House in Ferndown featured a show by visiting performer Andy the Magician.

Andy was invited along with Margery’s blessing by Companionship Team Leader Madeleine Baker who said:

“Margery can be a bit of a prankster herself and likes to have a laugh, so she loved the idea of a magic show being put on specially for her and fellow residents.”

Andy performed card tricks, mind reading and rope magic as part of his set, earning an extra round of applause proposed by resident Sheila Shire ‘because he was so good’.

Margery, who last year shared her recipe for a long life as ‘being a good girl, eating Oxo cubes and beef, and enjoying life’ said of the birthday show:

“It was a lovely afternoon. Thank you.”

Born in the West Midlands, Margery moved to Bournemouth with her husband Harry after many seaside holidays. During the war, she worked in a factory and later supported Harry’s career while caring for her mother.

Amberwood House Home Manager Kerry Mason said:

“Margery has now celebrated her 100th, 101st, 102nd, 103rd and 104th birthdays with us. She is a resident we all love dearly for her warmth, humour and spirit.”