It was a celebration to remember as Cams Ridge Care Home in Fareham marked the 110th birthday of Annie Samphire, the 12th oldest person in the United Kingdom.
Annie, who is a much-loved great-great-grandmother, enjoyed a party at the home with four generations of her family, friends and the Cams Ridge team. The birthday girl even received a visit from The Mayor, Councillor Fred Birkett and Mayoress, Mrs Lisa Birkett and Deputy Lord Lt Mrs Joan Ferrer JP DL. A card from King Charles and Queen Camilla took pride of place at the celebrations.
Mrs Samphire spent her entire life in Hampshire apart from two years in Australia. Annie was devoted to her husband Harry, who she was married to for 61 years. The couple met by chance in 1935 while Annie enjoyed a walk through a rock garden near the beach. Just like in a romantic novel, Harry who was a baker by trade, ran home after meeting Annie to tell his parents he had found the woman he was going to marry – and not long after he was proven right. Harry sadly passed away in 1996.
Annie has two daughters, four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren – with another on the way – many of whom still live in the Hampshire area.
Earlier in life, Annie worked at the Landport Drapery Bazaar but had to leave her job after her wedding day because of an old rule which didn’t permit married women to work there. Annie was very active in local clubs and societies during her married life. Harry was dedicated to his job as a baker, in fact, he didn’t even stop baking when a German bomb hit his workplace in Portsmouth during the war.
Annie, who has never owned a car, says her secret to a long life is lots of walking and enjoying something sweet before bed. To this day, Annie admits she will regularly indulge in a chocolate bar or ice cream before nighttime.
Betty Staley, Annie’s daughter, said: “My mum has always been a strong character and it’s no surprise to me or any of the family that she is celebrating her 110th birthday. She shows the power of love, determination, and embracing life’s joys.
“Cams Ridge Care Home has made such a fuss of her birthday and made it one for us all to remember. She was living at home until a year ago and is fiercely independent, but she has fully embraced the social aspect of Cams Ridge and gets involved with all of the different activities the team put on.”
Annie said: “I’ve lived a long and happy life, and I have been lucky to have the love of a good husband and family. Everyone keeps asking me how I’ve done it and tell them that it’s all about staying fit and enjoying yourself. Walk, rather than drive, when you can. And always say yes when offered a biscuit or chocolate bar. Life is for living and enjoying.”
Marie Toledo, care home manager at Cams Ridge, spoke fondly of Annie’s incredible milestone. She said: “Annie is a wonderful lady, and we are honoured to have her living here. We were thrilled to be able to share this special day with Annie and her family. At 110, she may well be one of the oldest people in the UK, but don’t let that fool you – Annie still has a sharp wit and keeps everyone on their toes!”
