Rolls Royce treat for grand old lady

3:30pm Friday 10th October 2008

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Enid Pollard celebrated her 107th birthday in style when she was chauffeur driven to a surprise party at the town hall on Friday.

Staff and friends at The Firs care home in Calne, where Mrs Pollard lives, rallied together to throw a party for the grandmother-of-two, hiring a Rolls Royce as a treat for her and her best friend.

The room was lit up by a birthday cake with 107 candles, and deputy Calne mayor Howard Marshall entertained the 40 guests with accordion music.

Mrs Pollard said: “It was very nice indeed. I knew a surprise was being planned but not to that extent. It was lovely.

“I blew out the 107 candles but I do not think I got them all in one go.”

The party almost had to be cancelled after Calne Town Council refused an application for funding. But just a week before the event a businesswoman from the town stepped in, donating £350 towards the cause. Calne Lions and the Rotary Club also helped with funding.

Coun Caroline Ramsey helped to organise the party. She said: “It was a shame to be turned down by the council but it was nice to see a local business give something back. It was a really lovely gesture.

“The party was absolutely super and Enid had a fantastic time.”

Despite being 107 Mrs Pollard can repeat the alphabet backwards and recall memories from her childhood. She has now received seven birthday cards from the Queen but claims there is no secret to living a long life. She said: “There is no trick to living to this age but I did used to do lots of walking because I had dogs. Maybe that helps.”

Mrs Pollard, who is originally from Ashby de la Zouch in Leicestershire, moved to Cherhill with her husband in the 1950s to be nearer Mr Pollard’s sister. After her husband died in 1956 Mrs Pollard lived alone until her late 80s.

Care home nurse Heike Sampson said: “Enid is always leaving her door open so visitors and residents can pop in for a chat. For a lady of her age she is a lot of fun, and well liked in the home.”

Staff sent thanks to everyone who helped make the party a success.