Flossy and Bill celebrate their joint 204th birthday (Image: Care UK)
Two care home pals celebrated a joint 204th birthday by telling the Daily Express their secret to long life: “Find your tipple, and never stop enjoying it!”
When widow Florence ‘Flossy’ Yule turned 100 and married Bill Stockton turned 104 in the same Sutton Coldfield care home, in West Midlands, the friends decided to have a joint 204th bash.
Along with balloons reading ‘204’ the pair and guests at Care UK’s Bishops Manor tucked into an enormous ‘204’-shaped icing-topped sponge cake with a border of cupcakes.
And afterwards they attributed their long lives to finding their top tipple early in life and not denying themselves a regular sip – a “good glass of wine” for Bill and a “healthy measure of gin” for Flossy.
Flossy added: “A daily dose of humour and as much chocolate as I can get away with also helps!”
Flossy and Bill celebrate their joint 204th birthday (Image: Care UK)
Don’t miss…
Flossy, who refers to herself as “a real Brummie” was born on 9th November 1924 in Birmingham and has lived around the West Midlands her whole life.
During her younger years, she worked as a power press operator and could often be found dancing in her spare time, something she still loves to do now.
Flossie said: “To be a Brummie is to have a bit of grit and to wear it like a badge; we don’t put on airs, and we know the value of a day’s work.
“Dancing brings people together, too, no matter their background or skill; it’s a universal language that everyone can share.”
Flossy met her husband, David, in 1940, and was married for 45 years until he passed away. Although they had no children together, Flossy is close with her nephew, Darrin, who often visits her at the care home.
Nephew Darrin told us: “Aunt Flossy has always had a zest for life and she reminds us all to live a little, laugh a lot, and always keep the chocolate stash well-stocked!”
Flossy and Bill celebrate their joint 204th birthday (Image: Care UK)
Don’t miss…
Four years older, Bill was born on 15th November 1920 in Sutton Coldfield, and travelled the world serving as a medic in World War II.
During his travels, Bill met wife, 93-year-old Cynthia Stockton, also a resident at Bishops Manor, and the two have been married for 69 years.
At the care home, the inseparable married pair are often referred to by themselves and the team as ‘Mum and Dad’ and their son Martin, and his wife, Fran regularly visit them at the home.
Commenting on reaching 104, Bill said: “I feel privileged to have reached this ripe old age with my wife by my side.
“My family kept me busy and my love for life kept me inspired – but a good glass of wine always helps too!
“I’ve had a whole lot of luck, plenty of adventures, and, of course, my beloved wife Cynthia is my greatest source of strength and joy.”
Thomas Bampfield, General Manager at Bishops Manor: “Here at Bishops Manor, we love any excuse for a party – so Flossy and Bill’s birthdays certainly called for double the celebrations and double the fun!
“It was fantastic to help celebrate these incredible milestones for them both alongside their friends and family and raise a large glass of wine – or gin and tonic, to their 204 years! Happy birthday, both!”