A Cheshire centenarian who was still cycling to the shops for a bottle of wine at the age of 94 has celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends.
Eirwen Lacey, known as Eira to those closest to her, marked the milestone with not one but two celebrations at Hillcrest care home in Frodsham, part of Aurem Care.
Originally from Conwy in North Wales, Eira lived there until she was 16 before moving to Chester, where she later met her husband Des while they were both working in the railway offices. The couple married and built their life together, although Eira sadly lost Des when he was just 48.
Today, family remains at the heart of Eira’s life. She has a daughter, Janet, four grandsons and two great-granddaughters, with generations of the family coming together to help celebrate her landmark birthday.
And when asked for the secret of reaching 100, Eira’s recipe is straightforward – the love of family, keeping active and a glass of wine.
Eira drove until she was 89 before swapping four wheels for two and taking to her push bike.
During the Covid lockdown, when Eira was 94, daughter Janet was doing her mum’s shopping and delivering her groceries. On one memorable occasion, however, she arrived with everything Eira needed apart from wine.
Unimpressed by the omission, Eira waited until Janet had left, got on her bike and cycled to the local shop herself to buy a bottle.
Eira’s active lifestyle also included a passion for crown green bowls, which she continued playing until she was 90, enjoying both the sport and the friendships she made through local clubs.
Her working life began at just 13 when Eira worked at a hotel in Llandudno, which was being used by Inland Revenue staff who had relocated there during the Second World War.
After moving to Chester, she began working in the railway offices, where she met Des, who was of Irish descent but had left Ireland as a baby.
Eira’s special day began with a birthday breakfast before a spot of pampering and having her nails done ready for an afternoon tea and dance.
Family joined the celebrations, including Eira’s grandsons, great-granddaughters and daughter Janet. There was laughter and a few tears as one grandson delivered an emotional speech, another wrote a poem dedicated to his grandmother and the family enjoyed a song specially written and performed for Eira.
Another highlight was the reading of Eira’s 100th birthday card from Their Majesties The King and Queen.
Hillcrest held a second party so Eira could celebrate with her wider family and friends, with some guests travelling all the way from Denmark to be there.
Nicola Vernon, home manager at Hillcrest, said: “Eira is a wonderful lady with a fantastic personality and we wanted to make sure her 100th birthday was every bit as special as she is.
“Her family clearly adore her and it was incredibly moving to see everyone coming together to celebrate such an important milestone. There was so much laughter, music and emotion throughout the celebrations.
“Eira has lived a wonderfully full and active life and I think the story of her cycling to the shops for wine at 94 sums up her determination and independence perfectly.
“It was an absolute privilege for everyone at Hillcrest to celebrate with Eira and to help her mark her 100th birthday in style.”
