An Arlesey nursing home had a double celebration on Monday as it marked the formal opening of a unique 1940s and ’50s street – as well as the 103rd birthday of one of its residents.
Eve Cooper was the lady chalking up 103 years at Chase House on Monday, flanked by her niece Myra and Myra’s husband Michael.
Home manager Dee McGuire told the Comet: “She was smiling throughout, singing along with the music. She had a lovely time with her gin and tonic.
“The highlight of the day was our entertainer Jim LeBec – ‘Sing-along Jim’ – he sang, he got them dancing, it was wonderful.
“Everyone says they had a lovely time. We’re going to have many street parties now, every couple of weeks throughout the summer, because they did enjoy it so much.”
The 1940s and ’50s street, which took about four months to create, includes shop windows, a bus stop, a picket fence and a functioning tea room, which has been open a year.
The ‘shops’ include a dress shop, a pub, a sweet shop, a toy and book store and an outlet of the Co-op.
“I don’t think there’s anything like it anywhere else in the country,” said Dee.
“I’d like to thank all the staff for the hard work they put in to make it possible.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here