100th birthday celebrations at Augusta Court care home

A care home resident from Chichester celebrating her 100th birthday has put her longevity down to a life of walks in the countryside and the fresh air.

Joan Tuck, from Anchor’s Augusta Court in in Winterbourne Road, was presented with a birthday cake, balloons and a birthday card from The Queen to mark her special birthday on Wednesday (22 July).

Born near Bristol, Joan said that growing up in the countryside had enabled her to enjoy nature and the peace and quiet it brings. She moved to Chichester in the year 2000. And in fact, she is still passionate about nature and can be regularly found in her care home’s garden.

Former secretary Joan was married to husband Ron in 1943 and their daughter, Allene, was born in 1956. Joan and her husband Ron celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary in 2013.

Joan said:

I cannot believe I’m 100 years old. I’ve really enjoyed life and continue to do so. My secret to my long life is growing up in the countryside with the fresh air.

I have many happy memories about the countryside. When I was a young girl, I remember walking down from my house to see my father working on his market garden, using a horse to plough his fields. Technology has meant farming has changed a lot since then.

Throughout her life, Joan has been active whether it was going on country rambles with members of the Women’s Institute or going on holidays with her family to Cornwall, Scotland and France so she could be out in the fresh air and walk by the sea.

Augusta Court’s Manager Marcin Szczepaniak said:

Mrs Tuck is a lovely person. She always likes to take part in the many activities we organise here. Her favourite activities are reading and being out in the garden, where she continues her hobby of birdwatching and enjoying nature.