A Dove Court Care Home resident celebrated a remarkable milestone surrounded by four generations of her family as she marked her 100th birthday.
Hilda ‘Joyce’ Thornber celebrated her centenary at Dove Court Care Home on 26 August, joined by family, fellow residents and team members for a special birthday party.
Born in Wrexham on 26 August 1926, Joyce grew up as one of an extraordinary 18 children, with nine brothers and eight sisters.
Two of her surviving brothers, Wally and Mick, joined Joyce for her 100th birthday celebrations, alongside her sons Martyn and Graham, grandchildren Alison and Paul, great-grandchildren Louie and Florence, and other members of the family.
The Mayor of Burnley, Councillor Saeed Chaudhary, also joined the celebrations to personally wish Joyce a happy birthday and present her with flowers. Joyce received another special message to mark the occasion in the form of a 100th birthday card from King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
A life filled with family, travel and adventure
Joyce spent much of her life in Blackburn, where her varied working life included employment at Mullards, where she contributed to the war effort, and Dynamo Electrics.
She had previously worked as a maid in a large country home and as part of the laundry team at Prestatyn Hospital, before later becoming a childminder.
It was also in Blackburn that Joyce met her future husband, Arthur – although their first date almost happened very differently.
Arthur was originally supposed to be going on a date with Joyce’s sister, but Joyce went in her place. The pair went on to marry and raise their family together. Arthur sadly passed away in 1993.
Joyce continued to embrace new experiences later in life, becoming a keen traveller during her 70s and visiting destinations including Spain, Tunisia, the Canary Islands, Cyprus, Florida and Cuba.
Her adventures continued into her 90s, when her family hired a specially adapted narrowboat so Joyce could enjoy a canal trip and afternoon tea.
A lifelong love of nature
Closer to home, Joyce has long had a passion for birds and wildlife and regularly took part in the Big Garden Birdwatch, carefully recording the different species she spotted and how long they spent visiting her garden.
Joyce moved to Dove Court Care Home in March 2025, where she continues to enjoy birdwatching, chatting and making friends, as well as having her nails done.
For her centenary, Dove Court’s Robin House hosted a special party in her honour, with residents from across the home joining the celebrations.
Entertainment was provided by Go On Tour, while the home’s chefs created a special birthday cake which was shared during afternoon tea.
Reflecting on her special day, Joyce said:
“Thank you so much, I’ve had a lovely day, especially being a queen for the day with my tiara!”
Joyce says the strength and determination she developed during her early life have stayed with her throughout the years, while after a century, the achievement she is most proud of is her family.
Her son, Martyn Thornber, said:
“I’m amazed by her – she is a miracle. My mum is a real character. She is very stubborn, has so much strength and loves to chat.”
Celebrating a remarkable milestone
Joanne Colclough, Home Manager at Dove Court Care Home, said:
“It was an absolute privilege for everyone at Dove Court to celebrate such an incredible milestone with Joyce and her family.”
“Joyce is a wonderful character who loves nothing more than having a chat and making friends, and she brings so much personality to life at the home.”
“Seeing her surrounded by so many generations of her family, including her two brothers, made the occasion particularly special. We were delighted to help give Joyce the 100th birthday celebration she deserved and wish her a very happy birthday from everyone at Dove Court.”
Dove Court Care Home in Burnley, Lancashire, is part of Bridge Oak Care Homes and provides residential, dementia and nursing care, including both long-term and short-term care.
