A CRICKET-loving Leamington resident has reached 100 not out – and said ‘good care and attention’ was the secret to her long innings.
Joan Hughes, who lives at the Helen Ley Care Centre, celebrated her 100th birthday with a covid-safe party with her carers.
She enjoyed a birthday cake and some fizz on the day, and received a card from the Queen.
Joan said: “Turning 100 is quite an achievement – it’s all down to good care and attention. I’ve been lucky to have a caring family and great care here too.
“I had a super celebration with lots of goodies, and plenty of drinks. When I finished and went back to my room, I went straight to sleep.
“I really enjoyed my birthday, and I’m looking forward to the next one.”
Joan, originally from north Manchester, married Ronald Hughes, a talented cricketer from the Isle of Man who played in the Lancashire League for a number of years. She grew to love the game through watching her husband play.
They had no children, but were well looked after by Harry’s family, and moved to Warwickshire in the 1980s after Joan had lived for around 60 years in Manchester.
Ronald passed away and Joan later moved to the Helen Ley Care Centre in 2018, where she has been ever since.
Care centre manager Sylvia Hook said Joan was a ‘fantastic’ resident to look after.
She added: “It was lovely to be able to celebrate Joan’s 100th birthday, even if it was a smaller celebration than what we might have wanted because of covid.
“She really enjoyed the party we threw for her, and was very happy to receive her card from the Queen.
“Even though she’s 100, she’s still quite active and gets out every day for a walk, which is wonderful to see. She also gets her hair done every week, which she always looks forward to.
“We love having Joan here and we can’t wait to celebrate with her for her 101st birthday.”
