Doris celebrates birthday by switching on The Spinney’s Christmas lights

Doris Griffiths, aged 101, who has been a resident for six years, felt quite the celebrity as she turned on our Christmas lights.

Doris, who celebrated reaching the landmark age on December 3, wished everyone “Merry Christmas” as she flicked the switch to illuminate our home’s Christmas lights, accompanied by two Humboldt penguins.

“What an honour and a lovely way to mark my birthday” said Doris, who was layered up with blankets against the cold of the early evening.

The party was attended by residents and their families, team members, and neighbours from the local community. The Spinney was decorated for the festive season with fairy lights and a row of Christmas trees.

“Doris is quite the character,” said Samantha Carey, lifestyle coordinator at The Spinney.

“She loves playing bingo, going out for walks, and visiting our beauty salon, and she’s forged a strong friendship group here at The Spinney.

“We loved that we could make her birthday extra special by inviting her to switch on the Christmas lights.  It’s wonderful to offer her a new experience at such an age!”

The care home’s lifestyle team also organised for two Humboldt penguins, Pringle and Widget, to visit from Heythrop Zoological Gardens in Oxfordshire.

Lisa Wright, home manager at The Spinney, said: “It was a wonderful afternoon filled with lots of festive cheer. Our home was transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with snow and a visit from some feathered friends!

“The home was buzzing with excitement all afternoon. Many of the residents enjoyed spending time with the penguins, holding them on their knees or stroking them.

“There was lots of conversation, with residents sharing memories of the first time they saw a penguin or talking about taking their children to see them at the zoo.

“There were lots of children at the party and it was wonderful to make the whole experience extra magical for them! Our residents loved seeing the delight on the children’s faces when they saw the snow and the penguins.”

Doris was born in 1924, she and late husband Alfred have one daughter, Sandra, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Singer Brandon entertained everyone by performing carols and Christmas songs, including Doris’ favourite festive song, Driving Home for Christmas by Chris Rea.

The Spinney, located on Forest View in Chingford, offers residential, specialist dementia, and end of life care. We are rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and won a Great British Care Award in 2023 for ‘Dignity in Care’.