Worthing woman celebrates centenary with two parties

A WORTHING woman celebrated turning 100 with two surprise parties and a visit from the mayor.

Olive Chandler, a resident at Melrose Care Home, in Wykeham Road, reached the milestone age on Monday (September 20).

To celebrate the occasion, her close friend, Pam Blann, helped organise two parties – one on the day before her birthday with family members from around the country, and the other with residents at the care home and local friends.

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Pamela, 62, of Rose Walk, Goring, said Olive’s secret for a long and healthy life was her “sunny disposition”, “hard work” and her daily, pre-lunch glass of sherry.

She said: “I’m not surprised she’s reached 100 at all.

“I think it’s her outlook on life and she’s always been a hard worker and has always been ready to support other people.

“She’s got an inner contentment, so long as she gets her sherry!”

A long-term former resident of Sompting, Olive prided herself on being able to walk to the shops in Lancing until she was 96.

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In later years, she would ride the free bus to Holmbush three times a week, making her well-known to the drivers and other passengers.

She was also politically active and volunteered for the Conservative party by putting up flyers and helping at polling stations.

In December, 2007, Olive moved to Melrose Care Home, where she says she has enjoyed the food so much, she has put on weight, causing her to restrict her puddings to yoghurts.

Pamela said Olive enjoyed her two birthday parties so much, she expected a third one the day after.

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