Cherry Blossom Manor resident celebrates her 100th birthday

Dorothy Burrows, who lives at Cherry Blossom Manor, in Bramley, marked the occasion with a party surrounded by family and staff, and received a congratulatory telegram from the King.

Guests enjoyed a special birthday cake made by the home’s chef, Angel, and among those in attendance was the Mayor of Basingstoke, Cllr Colin Phillimore, who joined in the celebrations and offered his congratulations.

Dorothy Burrows has celebrated her 100th birthday. (Image: Cherry Blossom Manor)

Dorothy said: "What a wonderful time I have had, everyone has made it such a special day."

Born in Bagshot in 1926, Dorothy began her career as a clerk for Bagshot council before becoming an army wife.

She later worked as a planning and records office supervisor for Kingsclere and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

Her life took her across the globe, with time spent living in Germany, Kenya and Aden, and she also travelled within Europe, Scandinavia and the Middle East.

A woman with many interests, Dorothy enjoyed hobbies such as bridge, tennis, shooting, tapestry, lace making, needlework, painting, music, reading and gardening.

She moved into Cherry Blossom Manor in 2022 and is described as very sociable, often taking part in the home’s activities.

She is a mother to three children, grandmother to five and great-grandmother to six.

Among those in attendance was the Mayor of Basingstoke, Cllr Colin Phillimore. (Image: Cherry Blossom Manor)

Her son, Peter, said: "Dorothy has been a wonderful mother, grandmother and friend to so many people over her lifetime and it has been amazing to have this special celebration with her, she makes us so proud."

Gigi Despojo, general manager of Cherry Blossom Manor, said: "We’re delighted to be celebrating a truly remarkable lady as she reaches this amazing milestone.

"Dorothy 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."

Cherry Blossom Manor is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers.

The home provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 77 residents, from respite care to long term stays.