Mar 2022
Gertie celebrated her 106th birthday with small party at Ridgeway
Gertie, the oldest resident at OSJCT Ridgeway House, Wootton Bassett, celebrated her 106th birthday on 18 January 2022 with a small party at the home, attended by residents, employees, and her essential care giver family members.
Gertie has five children (three of whom are still living), 15 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. She was born in 1916 in Avebury, the youngest of six children. Gertie grew up with her aunt and uncle on a small farm, along with siblings and cousins.
She mainly lived in Wiltshire and married her husband Albion Tippetts in 1936 after meeting him at Marlborough Fair. She has been a widow since 1987. She ran a post office in Winterbourne Monkton during the way and worked at Marlborough College until she retired aged 70.
The centenarian moved to Ridgeway House in 2019 and enjoys taking part in activities organised by the home. She is in regular contact with members of her family and occasionally goes on days out with them.
Granddaughter Victoria, who was among the family members who joined the birthday party, said: “Gertie loves anything to do with the Royal family and is so excited that she's received yet another birthday card from the Queen!
"She also loves sport of any kind and enjoys watching the football and bingo."
Home Manager, Dean Palfrey, said: “We congratulate Gertie on her birthday, and I’m pleased that we could mark this celebration with a small party. She is a much-loved resident.”