Great-grandmother celebrates her 100th birthday in style at Wigan care home

Anne Arkwright enjoyed a socially-distant party with virtual entertainment, organised by Elaine Lunn, activities co-ordinator at Norley Hall care home.

The popular 1940s Golden Song Birds performed via Skype for the home to mark Anne’s birthday, adding a touch of nostalgia to her big day.

Anne also received the best gift of all — a visit from her family, who were allowed to be part of the celebrations from the garden of the home, keeping to the current safe distancing rules in place.

Having grown up in Wigan with her parents and five siblings, Anne left school at the age of 14 and went to work at Higham’s florist in Orrell.

During the Second World War, she worked at the Gathurst munitions factory where she would make shells and bullets.

Munitions work often involved long hours, sometimes up to seven days a week.

Workers at the factory were at serious risk from accidents with dangerous machinery or when working with highly explosive materials.

But Anne, a keen Vera Lynn fan, was armed with rousing songs that reflected the mood of a nation fighting for survival against the threat of Nazi domination - We’ll Meet Again and White Cliffs of Dover - to keep up staff morale.

At the end of the war, Anne went on to marry Stan Arkwright and they raised four children.

She is now a proud grandmother and great-grandmother.

Her daughter Jennifer said: “My mum has always had such a positive attitude and is much loved by all of her family.

“Even in lockdown she fully enjoyed the celebrations.

“Next year we will celebrate again when we are all able to be together.”

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