'A healthy measure of gin and as much chocolate as you can get away with' - Sutton Coldfield pensioners on how they reached 100

Florence - who is known to friends and family as Flossy - recently turned 100, alongside her pal Bill Stockton, who celebrated being '104 years young' at Care UK’s Bishops Manor, in Sutton Coldfield.

To celebrate their milestone birthdays, the care home team organised a surprise party for Bill and Flossy with friends and family. The lounge was decorated with balloons and banners, and the chef made a special "204" birthday cake and cupcakes. 

The pair reflected on their combined ages of 204 and shared their knowledge and wisdom for others to live as long as they have. However, their advice wasn't what you might expect. 

While they both agreed that the secret to a long life is to “discover your favourite tipple and never stop enjoying it" - for Bill, this means a “good glass of wine”, while Florence opts for “a healthy measure of gin!”

“A daily dose of humour and as much chocolate as I can get away with also helps," Flossy said.  

Flossy was born on 9 November 1924 in Birmingham and refers to herself as a "real brummie" as she's lived in the city her whole life. 

Flossie said: “To be a brummie is to have a bit of grit and to wear it like a badge; we don’t put on airs, and we know the value of a day’s work. Dancing brings people together, too, no matter their background or skill; it’s a universal language that everyone can share.”

During her younger years, Flossy worked as a power press operator and could often be found dancing in her spare time, something she still loves to do now.

Flossy met her husband, David, in 1940, and was married for 45 years until he passed away. Although they had no children together, Flossy is close with her nephew, Darrin, who often visits her at Bishops Manor.

Commenting on his aunty, Darrin, said: “Aunt Flossy has always had a zest for life and she reminds us all to live a little, laugh a lot, and always keep the chocolate stash well-stocked!”

Four years prior, Bill was born on 15 November 1920 in Sutton Coldfield. Bill travelled around the world serving as a medic in World War II. 

During his travels, Bill met his wife, 93-year-old Cynthia Stockton, also a resident at Bishops Manor, and the two have been married for 69 years. At the care home, the two are often referred to by themselves and the team as ‘Mum and Dad’. 

Together they have one son, Martin, who alongside his wife, Fran, regularly visits the couple at the home and often takes part in the home’s activities and events – much to his parent’s joy.

Commenting on reaching 104, Bill said: “I feel privileged to have reached this ripe old age with my wife by my side. My family kept me busy and my love for life kept me inspired – but a good glass of wine always helps too! I’ve had a whole lot of luck, plenty of adventures, and, of course, my beloved wife Cynthia is my greatest source of strength and joy.”

Thomas Bampfield, General Manager at Bishops Manor: “Here at Bishops Manor, we love any excuse for a party – so Flossy and Bill’s birthdays certainly called for double the celebrations and double the fun!

“It was fantastic to help celebrate these incredible milestones for them both alongside their friends and family and raise a large glass of wine – or gin and tonic, to their 204 years! Happy birthday, both!”