There has been cause for celebration at a Stanley nursing home as a resident celebrated their 100th birthday.
Nora Emmerson received her telegram from the Queen to mark her birthday on May 5.
And while family visits to homes are prohibited due to coronavirus, staff and residents at St. Andrews Nursing Home, in Stanley, ensured the momentous occasion was still extra special.
Nursing home manager, Janis Watson said: “Nora is amazing. She’ll make a joke out of anything and she’s always so happy – we all love her.
“Whenever there’s entertainment in the home, Nora will be there clapping along to the music and doing her little jig with the staff – she’s great fun.”
Nora has lived in South Moor, County Durham, throughout her life and credits her fun-loving personality as the secret to living a long life.
Shopping trips to Shepard's department store in Gateshead and nights out at the Oxford in Newcastle were often the highlight of her week.
At 19-years-old she met her husband Joe at a local dance, who went on to serve in the Second World War alongside Nora’s two brothers.
And after leaving school, Nora secured her first job in a local wool shop,before taking a break from employment to give birth to her two sons, John and Arthur.
She later returned to work in Mold’s paper shop in South Moor, where she enjoyed catching up with people in her community.
Nora also loves caring for animals, and throughout her life she has owned many pets, including dogs, ponies, chickens, wild birds and a pig.
Janis adds: “Nora is such a sociable character and is popular with people both inside and outside of the home.
“Before lockdown she would have regular visits from people,especially her old neighbour Jean who refers to her as mother.”
While lockdown meant that family and friends were unable to attend Nora’s birthday celebration, she spent the day surrounded by flowers and cards from loved ones.
Staff and residents joined in making her day special, with songs and a cake baked by the nursing home chef.
Janis said: “Nora had a brilliant day and didn’t stop for a nap as she was having so much fun.”
