Dot celebrates her 100th birthday

A special celebration has taken place to mark the 100^th birthday of a mother of six from Barlaston.

Dorothy Watkiss, or Dot as she likes to be called, marked her special day with a party for friends and family at Stafford and Rural Homes’ Meadow Court Independent Living Scheme where she has lived for 18 years.

The party was a real family affair as her daughter Rita Tipton, 74, has also lived at Meadow Court for nine years.

“It was lovely to share the occasion with so many of those close to me, it made a lovely day even more special.” said Dot.

“I’d also like to thank all the SARH staff at Meadow Court both past and present for all the warm and friendly help and support they’ve given me since I moved in here 18 years ago.  Also more recently the support I’ve had from the care workers from Bluebird has been a big help.”

Karen Armitage, the Chief Executive of SARH, which owns and manages Meadow Court, presented Dot with a silver photo frame to wish her a happy birthday and there was also a buffet and drinks.

“I was delighted to be able to attend Dot’s birthday celebrations and on behalf of everyone at SARH I’d like to congratulate her on achieving her wonderful milestone,” said Karen Armitage.

Dot was born in Stoke-on-Trent, living in Etruria and Blurton, before moving in to Meadow Court in 1995.

Always a keen baker Dot was a chamber maid and cook in her early years and her work took her as far afield as a hotel in Llandudno.  It was whilst working at a hotel in Shelton though that Dot first met her husband Albert at a dance.

The couple married in Shelton, in 1937, and were together for 50 happy years, Dot looking after the family home with their six children and Albert working in the army and then at the Doulton sanitary works in Stoke-on-Trent before sadly he passed away in 1987.

Family has always been extremely important to Dot, who as well has raising six children also has six grandchildren and five great grandchildren, who all live in Staffordshire.

“Having a loving family around you is one of the most important reasons I have had such a long and happy life,” said Dot.

“I also think that trying to work hard and live within my means but always keeping a good sense of humour has helped me through my life.”