Bognor Regis' oldest resident celebrates

Mabel Stannard, believed to be the oldest woman in the Bognor Regis and the Sussex areas, marked her 107th birthday last Tuesday with not one but two parties.

The first celebration held at Greenways care home was attended by staff, residents, friends and family members.

Also in attendance was Bognor Regis Town mayor Jim Brooks.

Cllr Brooks said: “It is fantastic to be here celebrating the birthday of the oldest lady in the town.

“It just shows what a healthy place Bognor Regis is to live in.

“Mabel is a wonderful and inspirational lady and I am very proud to have been asked along to today’s celebrations.

“This is the first birthday celebration I have been invited to since I became mayor, and I have really enjoyed it. Hopefully I will be asked to a few more.”

To mark the occasion Cllr Brooks was only too pleased to give his rendition of Happy Birthday.

For her second party, which took place later that day, Mrs Stannard was joined by some 30 relatives at the Craigweil Lane home of her son Richard Stannard.

“We have the whole family coming to wish her happy birthday, and guests will be aged from seven to 107,” said Mr Stannard.

Until October of last year Mrs Stannard was living independently in West Meads in Aldwick.

Mr Stannard said: “Mum moved into Greenways which was a lifestyle change for her. She has settled in extremely well, and we are all extremely grateful to the staff for the high level of care they provide and also to the residents for making her feel so welcome.

“A special thanks for her birthday celebrations must go to all the staff, especially Kay and the home’s manager Sandra Daniells.”

Mrs Stannard, who now has four telegrams from the Queen, has adjusted well to life in the Hawthorn Road care home and takes part in many of the care home’s activities, including carpet bowls and pottery.

Mrs Stannard was born in Fulham, West London, and had four children, five grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

After going to school in Chelsea, her family moved to Greenford in Middlesex just before the second world war. She was employed in an office job for ten years in the motor industry before she left to marry her husband Reuben Stannard.

The family moved to Bognor about 43 years ago. Sadly Mrs Stannard’s husband died a year after the move.