A WOMAN who helped manage vital aircraft parts orders during the Second World War has celebrated her 100th birthday in style surrounded by family, care staff and residents.
King George V was on the throne in 1922 when Joan Sandys was born - and for her 100th birthday she received a birthday card from his granddaughter, The Queen, to mark her special day.
Dressed in her 100-year sash and tiara, with her telegram from Her Majesty in one hand and a glass of bubbly in the other, she enjoyed a tea party with staff at Parris Lawn Care Home in Lewes, where she has lived for the last four years.
Joan, who has resided in Sussex for more than 60 years, has lived through 19 Prime Ministers, 14 royal weddings and four monarchs.
As per tradition, Joan received a telegram birthday card from The Queen – whom she previously met while working at Harrods.
Joan also once stood on a ladder outside Buckingham Palace at Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in June 1953 while eight months pregnant in the hope of catching a glimpse at the monarch.
Marrying her husband Peter in 1950, the couple went on to have four children, including identical twins
The couple moved to Herstmonceux in 1961. Peter died in 1983. Joan moved to Parris Lawn Care Home in Lewes four years ago, where she enjoyed a tea party to celebrate her 100th birthday.
She also used to help manage vital aircraft parts orders during World War Two.
Her daughter Ruth and sons Hugh, Richard and John thanked all those at Parris Lawn Care Home for their “wonderful care, excellent nursing, kindness and lots of love”.
“And for helping Joan through Covid at the very beginning of the pandemic when she was 98 years old,” Ruth said.
“She has been an enthusiastic participant in their many activities and entertainments which have helped through the long lockdowns. Parris Lawn’s excitement about Joan’s 100th birthday and plans to celebrate with staff, residents and family are greatly appreciated.”
Jackie Cox, Parris Lawn Care Home manager, said: “To say it was a privilege and an honour to share this special day with Joan and her family is an understatement.
“It is fair to say, we have been excited about this day for a long time now.
“We would like to say a massive thank you to your children, grandchildren, and family for being so loving and kind towards us and also to the team at Parris Lawn for the genuine and heartfelt excitement that has gone into making the last few days so fittingly special.
“We all love you dearly Joan and once again, here’s to you.”
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