Published: November 24, 2008
Burnham-On-Sea pensioner celebrates 100th birthday with Mayor

A Burnham-On-Sea pensioner celebrated her 100th birthday with a special visit from the town's Mayor and Mayoress and a telegram from the Queen on Monday (November 24th).

On Sunday, the day of her special birthday, Marjorie Brown enjoyed wine and cakes with the other residents at Tudor Lodge Nursing Home, where she lives.

And on Monday there was a celebratory buffet with friends and residents, along with Mayor Cllr Peter Burridge-Clayton and Mayoress Jo Burridge-Clayton, who presented Marjorie with flowers to mark her special milestone.

Born in Kent in November 1908, Marjorie had one younger sister who passed away at age 15. Marjorie worked as a telephonist after leaving school at 14 and married her late husband, William Henry Brown, in 1947. She ran a tobacconist in Twickenham with her husband for many years.

She enjoys gardening, has had many cats and has given generously to various cat welfare charities. Latterly, she lived in Homelane House in Rectory Road, Burnham before coming to Tudor Lodge in May 2005.

Marjorie received both a telegram from the Queen and another from James Purnell, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.

When asked for her secret of such a long life, Marjorie said: "There's no secret really. I've just lived a normal life."

Tudor Lodge's Manager, Chris Arnold, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "Marjorie is a very pleasant lady who has really been looking forward to reaching her milestone birthday."

"Sadly, she has no family remaining but she enjoyed her time with the other residents. It was a pleasure to welcome Councillor Burridge-Clayton to Tudor Lodge to meet her - it really helped to make her day special."