Celebrations have been in full swing at Harper fields, as one of its residents reaches her centenary in style.

Joyce Astill was joined by staff, relatives, friends and other residents as she received a telegram from the King in recognition of her landmark birthday. A champagne reception was held at the home and guests enjoyed a special birthday cake made by the home’s chef Ashley.

Joyce was a housewife before coming to Harper fields, where she is enjoying a new chapter of her life. The birthday girl said: “A few cheeky glasses of champagne, a delicious buffet and your family, what more could you want when you’re this old.

“We asked Joyce what her secret was to a long life. Her reply: “just luck, accept life for what it is”. Among those relatives attending was Joyce’s daughter Debra and son in law Trevor, who played host for the afternoon to lots of guests.

“Speaking about her centenarian, she has been a fantastic mother and friend to so many over the past hundred years, and it’s wonderful to be with her on this very special day to say just how proud she makes us feel.” Hayley Wilkinson General Manager of Barchester Harper fields added: “We’re delighted to be celebrating a truly remarkable woman as she reaches this amazing milestone.

“Joyce is such a popular resident who always has an interesting tale to tell, and we look forward to hearing many more as she breaks into her next century.” Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.

Harper Fields care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Harper fields provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 80 residents from respite care to long term stays.