111!
From Sandhurst WI
When you reach your 111th birthday you have to party! Margaret is such a star.
Sandhurst WI love to enjoy her company even if it was the hottest day ever!
From Apollo Care Surrey
SANDHURST LADY CELEBRATES 111th BIRTHDAY!
At the last count a couple of years ago there were over 16,000 people in the UK in possession of the famous telegram from The Queen (now a card from The King) – in other words they had reached the age of 100. The oldest of these is currently 117 years old but close behind in sixth place on the list is a resident of Sandhurst, Margaret Schaap, and she recently held a party to celebrate her 111th birthday.
When asked the obvious question – “What is the secret to living so long?” – Margaret’s answer is clear. She feels that it is important to stay active, both physically and mentally – she was playing tennis up to the age of 82 and even then only stopped when she had both knees replaced. She is also a very keen painter and her work has been exhibited and can be found on the hand-painted cards she still makes for church fund-raising.
She is miraculously not on any medication except for pain relief and still looks after herself apart from the twice daily visits by Apollo Care Surrey, whose trained carers’ main role is to ensure that everything is OK and that nothing has been forgotten, mainly helping with meals and conversation.
The entire 111th birthday celebration, including the venue, catering, decorations and all arrangements, was funded and hosted by Apollo. Their team organised the event to honour Margaret and ensure she enjoyed a special milestone surrounded by her loved ones.
Friends and family celebrated with dancing and food and drink while Margaret presided from the top table, possibly reflecting like Henry Fonda in ‘On Golden Pond’ – “How did I get here?” Luck and genetics play a part, but looking after yourself and having good carers are clearly a big factor. Perhaps gender also? – in the 20 oldest people in the UK, there is just one man.
And from Margaret:
Thanks so much to everyone for the cards, gifts and best wishes 🙂