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Resident Mina turns 100!

Jemima Radcliffe, or Mina as she is known, turned 100 over the weekend!

Born and bred in Byker, living first in Harvey Street and then Thornborough Street, Mina has lived through the Second World War and has led a very interesting life.

While her husband, Tommy, served in the British Army across the world during war, she was ‘bombed out’ of the home they shared during a German air raid. She also worked in an ammunition factory under Byker Bridge, cutting parts for Gerry cans and other products.

Following the war, and Tommy’s safe return home, normal life resumed, and Mina soon found herself juggling children, running a household and her job, which included at one time working on the Newcastle Breweries bottling lines. Her children Sandra and Denis were born in Byker. They then moved to Longbenton where George was born.

Trish Giles, our manager at West Farm Care Centre, said: “Mina is such a wonderful lady and it’s great to hear all of her stories that her life experience has allowed her to tell. She shared 60 happy years with her husband until he sadly passed away in 1996.  Mina continued to live independently until the age of 95, when she joined us. One of her favourite things to do is play bingo and she’s no stranger to winning either!

To celebrate 100 years of living, carers at West Farm Care Centre organised a big family celebration for Mina. 30 family members joined the party over the weekend which included a special performance from John Doonan, a local North East care home performer who is one of Mina’s favourite singers.

Trish continued: “We all enjoyed celebrating Mina’s milestone birthday and welcoming her friends and family too, including her two sons, her daughter, as well as her six grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. It really was an amazing and heart-warming afternoon.”

Talking about her 100th birthday, Mina said: “I really enjoyed celebrating my 100th birthday with all my family and friends. When I was in my youth, I used to love dancing. I was a great dancer and attended local halls and regional dance competitions, often winning a trophy or two!

“It was just perfect to have my whole family around me; remembering fondly the parties we used to enjoy at my house with my husband and the adventures we went on with the kids down Tynemouth.”

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