Former Wren celebrates 100th birthday at Battle care home
Celebrations have been in full swing at Hazel Lodge care home in Battle, as they recently celebrated the 100th birthday of resident and former Wren, Olive Tompsett. Olive who moved to Hazel Lodge 18 months ago having kept a close eye on the construction and opening of the new care home in December 2022, was joined by friends and family as she celebrated her landmark birthday with champagne and a tea party held at the home.
Olive was born in London on 16th March 1926, a good year for notable, early “girl power”! Our late Queen Elizabeth II and Marilyn Monroe to name just a few. Olive was one of many who supported their dear country during wartime by joining the WRNS and completed her training at Warrington, Lancashire before heading to her first posting at Scapa Flow followed by Simonstown, South Africa. Some 80 years later and she is still a member of the Wren’s Association.
Among those relatives attending was Olive’s daughter, Barbara, who had organised the celebration along with the Hazel Lodge team said: “Mum, was so excited to see familiar faces again and to have them all together around the table with her, going over past times, she still holds great affection in her heart for her time in the Wrens. As you will see, one of her birthday gifts was a Jenny Wren ornament! Thank you to all at Hazel Lodge who made 16th March 2026 a very happy and special day”
Rikki-Gene Bury, General Manager of Barchester of Hazel Lodge added: “We’re delighted to be celebrating a truly remarkable woman as she reaches this amazing milestone. Olive, is such a popular resident who always has an interesting tale to tell, and we look forward to hearing many more as she breaks into her next century.”
Hazel Lodge care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Hazel Lodge provides residential and dementia care for 70 residents from respite care to long term stays.