Page 58 • The HERALD • 2nd April 2026 v THE NEXT HERALD IS OUT ON 23RD APRIL v WE CARE, YOU CARE LOCAL CARE HOME SURPRISES RESIDENT WITH GIANT CAKE TO MARK 104TH BIRTHDAY Oak Lodge Bupa Care Home recently celebrated an incredible milestone as resident, Frances, marked her 104th birthday in March. e special day was lled with family, her favourite opera music, and a truly unique 15lb donkey-shaped cake. Frances was delighted to be surrounded by her family who travelled to spend the day with her. e celebration featured a live performance by local singer, Mike Sidaway, who sang Frances’ beloved opera and musical classics. A highlight of the day was the magni cent donkey cake, specially baked by the home’s chef to honour Frances’s favourite animal. Frances actively participates in a range of activities at Oak Lodge and enjoys chatting to other residents at the property, as well as her son, Richard, who visits her every day. Born in Sutton in Ash eld, Frances moved to Southampton at the age of six. During the war, she contributed to the war e ort by repairing Spit re wings, where she met her husband, Patrick. ey were married for over 25 years and together they had three children; Dianne, Patrick Jr, and Richard. In her younger days, Frances was a singer and would perform in all the local bars alongside her brother Harry who played the piano. Frances has always been hard-working, with a love for classical music and knitting. Her adventurous spirit saw her take her rst ight in her 80s to visit her son in Australia. Corin Ridout, home manager at Oak Lodge Bupa Care Home, said: “Frances is an inspiration to us all here at Oak Lodge. Reaching 104 years old is an incredible achievement, and it was wonderful to celebrate her special day with her family, her favourite music, and that amazing donkey cake! She still gets involved in activities, enjoys her newspaper, and loves a good chat - she truly embodies a life well-lived.” Richard, Frances’ son, added: “My mother has always been an extraordinary woman, and it was so special to celebrate her 104th birthday. The team at Oak Lodge went above and beyond, especially with the incredible donkey cake and the opera music - she absolutely loved it. It means the world to me to see her so happy and still enjoying life to the fullest.” Oak Lodge Bupa Care Home is situated in Southampton and welcomes residents in need of residential care, including those living with dementia. Frances celebrating her 104th Birthday! Frances’ donkey birthday cake PEDALL provides inclusive cycling opportunities to enable people who need support to enjoy cycling in and around the beautiful New Forest. Dementia Friendly Hampshire are supporting PEDALL sessions every Wednesday to enable anyone a ected by dementia to enjoy one of these amazing forest rides. If you would be interested, please email: info@ dementiafriendlyhampshire.org.uk for more details or to book a place. Dementia Accessible Cycling Sessions With PEDALL
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