Three centuries of birthdays celebrated at Sheffield care home

NEARLY three centuries of birthdays were celebrated in style at a Sheffield care home as three residents shared their December milestones.

Bessie Cocker led the celebrations by marking her 100th birthday, joined by Ruth Crapper, turning 91, and Barbara Starr, who turned 90.

Family members, fellow residents, staff, and visitors gathered at The Laurels and The Limes Care Home, on Manchester Road, to mark the occasion.

Sheffield Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr Safiya Saeed was among the guests and gave a speech congratulating them on their incredible milestones.

She said: “Tonight, we gathered to celebrate the incredible milestones of three extraordinary women: Bessie Cocker, who has reached the remarkable age of 100, Ruth Crapper, celebrating her 91st birthday, and Barbara Starr, marking 90 wonderful years.

“These women represent resilience, wisdom, and a legacy of contributions that have left an indelible mark on their families, communities, and England’s history. Your generation truly is golden and irreplaceable.

“To Bessie, Ruth, and Barbara, thank you for your extraordinary lives. Here’s to health, happiness, and many more memories to come.”

Cllr Saeed also presented Bessie with her card from King Charles III and Queen Camilla, which read: “My wife and I are so pleased to know that you celebrated your one hundredth birthday on 12^th December, 2024. This brings our warmest congratulations and heartfelt good wishes on such a special occasion.”

Bessie was born in 1924 in Crosspool, Sheffield, before moving to Broomhill with her family. She got a job in a garden centre and later met her future husband, Bill, who passed away in 1981.

The couple enjoyed cycling and driving through the countryside together. They had one daughter, Jean, two grandchildren, Rebecca and Charlotte, and one great granddaughter, Melissa.

Asked her secret to a long life, Bessie said: “It’s in the genes. We have good farming stock from Bradfield. And the diet during the War.”

Alongside the care home party, Bessie’s family took her for a celebration at Ranmoor Parish Centre. She said: “Yes, I had two parties, it was really good. More than I expected.”

Chris Cousins, general manager at The Laurels and The Limes Care Home, said: “We had a lovely day celebrating the birthdays of these three wonderful ladies. Thank you to the team for all their hard work in getting everything organised.

“It was so exciting that the Deputy Lord Mayor of Sheffield Safiya Saeed came to join in the celebrations. She made a warm and touching speech and presented Bessie with her card from The King and Queen.”