Page 50 • The HERALD • 26th June 2025 v THE NEXT HERALD IS OUT ON 17TH JULY v WE CARE, YOU CARE M & J Mobility Can give you.... Freedom on the Road • Hoists • Pedal Transfers • Wheelchair Carriers • Hand Controls • Ramps • Easy Release Hand Brake • Wireless Controls • Swivel Seats and help Maintain YOUR Independence Scooters Wheelchairs Powerchairs Li & Recline Chairs Walking Aids Bath Aids and lots more... Visit our showroom at: Independent Lifestyle Centre Old Lyndhurst Road, Cadnam SO40 2NL or call for a catalogue on: 023 8081 1949 Making Mobility Affordable Air Force Veteran Celebrates 100th Birthday A retired Women’s Auxiliary Air Force veteran, living in a local care home in Hythe, has celebrated her 100th birthday. Stella Cotton marked the very special milestone with family, friends and team members at Care UK’s Carpathia Grange, where she lives. In true birthday fashion, the team decorated the home’s lounge with balloons and banners Stella Cotton with her daughter Janice Doland on her 100th birthday at Carpathia Grange and Stella was presented with a huge birthday cake complete with cat design – Stella’s favourite animal. Stella was born on 18th May 1925 in London. At just 17 years old, she joined the Women’s Junior Air Corps as a cadet and served through the war until 1944, when she then upped ranks and joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF). e WAAF was the female equivalent of the RAF, which performed non-combat roles during World War II. e ladies plotted enemy aircra , maintained aircra , drove VIPs and broke codes, among other roles. Stella worked as a wireless operator for many years. A smart uniform, three weeks leave a year and free travel permits added to the bene ts of being in the WAAF, even if food and amenities could frequently be stark and uncomfortable. A er the war, Stella began working in an o ce until her retirement. She was married to Maurice Cotton, known as Tony, and in 1954 they had one daughter, Janice, who visits her mother regularly at Carpathia Grange. Stella moved into the care home in 2020, where she enjoys reading, jigsaws, crosswords and gardening. Continued on page 51
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