Brightwalton woman celebrates 104th birthday at Newbury care home

A care home resident has celebrated a milestone birthday.

Phyllis Inglut recently turned 104 and all her family turned out to celebrate her big day at Newbury Grove Care Home.

Mrs Inglut received cards, presents and flowers, a cake made by the home’s head chef and congratulations by deputy mayor of Newbury, Andrew Moore.

One of Mrs Inglut’s daughters said: “Mum had a full-time job, a husband and seven children.

“I’m not sure how she did it and it amazes me.

“Neither of my parents drove and they didn’t have any of the luxuries we enjoy today.”

Mrs Inglut was born on February 4, 1920 in Brightwalton, and is the eldest of her three sisters.

As a young girl, she would help her father feed the chickens and pick fruit to make jam.

She attended St Andrews School, Chaddleworth until she was 14 before working as a housemaid.

She then married her first husband, Douglas Davis, who was killed while returning on leave during the Second World War.

In June 1948, Mrs Inglut married Franciszek Inglut.

The couple enjoyed travelling abroad together and — when Mrs Inglut was 88 years old — they cruised around the Mediterranean, visiting Sardinia, Italy, Vatican City and Gibraltar.

Her hobbies include knitting and reading.

She also has seven children, eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, who visit her regularly.

General manager at Newbury Grove, Adarsh Kurian, said: “Phyllis is a much-loved resident, and it was wonderful to help her celebrate her 104th birthday with her family and friends.

“Here at Newbury Grove, we work hard to ensure residents lead fulfilling lives and celebrating special occasions and milestones play a huge part in this.

“We love any excuse for a party, and Phyllis’s birthday was no exception.

“We’d love to say a huge thank you to cllr Andrew Moore for joining us to help celebrate Phyllis’ incredible milestone.”