What an incredible joy it was to spend time with Bertha Kirkpatrick along with her son Colin and daughter-in-law Helyn to celebrate Bertha’s 100th birthday.
Bertha was in incredible form, talking about how delighted she had been to have a card from the King hand delivered by the Lord Lieutenant. What made the day all the more special was having all of the family, including grandchildren and great-grandchildren all over at the same time.
Bertha was proud to show off the numerous cards, all proclaiming her to be 100, taking pride of place on just about every spare inch of space in her room as well as the flowers in all of their colour and splendour. Having personally sampled the cake, I also understand why she enjoyed that so much.
It is incredible to think of the changes Bertha has seen over the years. She has lived through the second world war, the cold war, the reigns of George V, Edward VIII, George VI, Elizabeth II and now Charles III. There have been 24 Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom, the first in Bertha’s life time was Stanley Baldwin. Bertha has seen us put a man on the moon, the breaking of the sound barrier, the development of the computer, the internet and the mobile phone.
Bertha, you are an inspiration to us all, many happy returns and thank you for allowing us to be part of your special day.
