Larchwood Care

A Thetford great-great-grandmother says that keeping busy is the key to a long and happy life as she turns 102 years-old. 

Phyllis Manning was surrounded by some of her 28 descendants as they celebrated her extraordinary birthday at Larchwood Care’s Alexander Court care home in Thetford.

The second eldest of 11 children, Phyllis has lived her life to the full, always keeping herself busy with work and volunteering. She met her husband, John William Manning, during a bike ride at 16. In 1942, not long after giving birth to their first son, John Jnr, her husband was dispatched to North Africa by the RAF. Their second son, Lionel was born in 1948 following John Snr’s return from his posting.

Her wartime memories include a lucky escape while living at Methwold Airbase when a bomber’s door malfunctioned and sent explosive ordinance spilling across the runway. Another memory from that period saw John and her diving for cover when a walk through a church yard was disrupted by a Luftwaffe bombing raid.

After several house moves and jobs, which included running a post office, sewing parachutes and looking after older people, the Manning family settled in Methwold once again. Phyllis took a job at a school where she was known as Little Mrs Manning and gave one-to-one support to youngsters who struggled with their reading – a position she carried on in a voluntary capacity for many years into her retirement. In the little spare time she had before moving to Alexander Court, Phyllis enjoyed knitting, sewing and reading, but most of all enjoyed spending time with her ever growing family.

Phyllis now lives at Alexander Court care home, a purpose-built residential home in Thetford operated by Larchwood Care. The modern building has been designed specifically with the needs of elderly residents, with a dedicated activities coordinator and an extensive garden space offering lots of opportunities for residents to enjoy pastimes.

Phyllis said: “I’ve always tried to keep myself as busy as possible and do my bit for the community. I’ve always been someone who needs to be doing something and it’s what kept me going all these years. Apart from my beautiful family, one of my greatest pleasures has been working with children. No matter how old they get, they always remember me and still call me Mrs Manning. I am proud that I’ve been able to help so many people over the years.”

Amanda Skinner, Alexander Court Manager, said: “Phyllis is a much-loved member of the Alexander Court family, who has lived an amazingly interesting life and done so much. After spending time working in schools nearby, she is very well-known by many people locally. Thankfully, by carrying out testing and following the relevant guidelines, we’ve been able to celebrate this momentous occasion in a safe way at the home, with Phyllis’s family by her side.”

Phyllis’s firstborn son, John Manning Junior, said: “My mother Phyllis has lived a very full life and has touched the lives of thousands of people through her work with schools, charities and care homes. Even now I am learning new things about her amazing and diverse life.

“My father and mum were truly soulmates. They devoted their lives to our family and her four grandchildren; nine great grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren are testimony to her love and dedication.

“It’s a pleasure to bring so many of our family together to celebrate her 102^nd birthday with the help of Alexander Court. They’ve done a fantastic job decorating the room and it’s great to have her friends from the home join us.”

ENDS

NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF LARCHWOOD CARE

CONTACT: Joss Havakin on 01325 363436

Notes to editors:

Larchwood Care has an extensive range of care homes, with an excellent reputation, in England, Scotland and South Wales.

All of the facilities are set up to support a comfortable lifestyle while making the most of a skilled care team with an approach that is homely and charming, while also being modern and efficient.

Larchwood Care Homes is managed by Healthcare Management Solutions, one of the leading providers of care in the UK.

https://www.larchwoodcare.co.uk/