Salisbury care home resident, 102, shares secret to long life

A 102-year-old resident at a care home in Salisbury has marked her birthday by giving advice for leading a long and happy life.

Mary Flower, who lives at Care UK's Salisbury Manor on Shapland Close, celebrated the latest milestone of her centenarian status with banners, balloons and a delicious cake organised by team members.

She was thrilled to be surrounded by family and friends as they came together to mark her momentous day.

Commenting on the milestone, Mary said: "I can't believe it, I don't feel 102!"

Mary, who was born and raised in Stroud, always dreamed of being a hairdresser and left school at 14 to complete an apprenticeship. When the second world war broke out, she worked at Griffin Mill in Thrupp helping to build gliders.

Mary met her husband, Lamorock Flower, at a dance in 1942. The pair married a year later at Holy Trinity Church in Stroud and together had two children, Julia and Peter, who have since welcomed three grandchildren into the family.

When asked for her secret to living a long and rewarding life, Mary said: "Having a loving family. And food, of course!"

Tracey Pearce, General Manager at Salisbury Manor, said: "We love to celebrate special milestones. Mary is a much-loved resident and her 102^nd birthday certainly called for a huge celebration!

"It was great to be part of such a special occasion and see Mary surrounded by those nearest and dearest to her.

"Everyone loved hearing Mary's words of wisdom over a slice of cake. We would like to thank everyone who came along to make the day so wonderful."

Salisbury Manor provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The home incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities, with the layout of the building configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.