100-year-old Newcastle United Fan Celebrates Pitch Perfect Birthday at St James’ Stadium

Care home resident, Edith Bowmer, who lives at Hambleton Grange in Thirsk, celebrated her 100^th birthday in style recently when she was given a VIP tour of St James’ Park, the home of her favourite football team.

Edith (Edi), a former shop assistant from Hemlow Farm in Chatham, woke up on her birthday to be whisked away by the care staff at Hambleton Grange to visit the Newcastle United home grounds.

Throughout her life, Edi has been an avid football fan and often watched her husband, Eddie, play. When Edi moved into Hambleton Grange, operated by Ideal Carehomes, last year, the staff in the home soon found out about Edi’s love of football. Hambleton Grange Home Manager, Sandra Anderson, said,

‘We wanted to give Edi a very special 100^th birthday, and when Edi’s family members told us how much she wanted to visit St James’, we couldn’t wait to take her to the stadium. Edi is such a big part of our Hambleton Grange family so we wanted to pull out all the stops for her.’          

Upon arrival at St James’ Park, Edi was given a VIP tour of the stadium, posing for pictures on her way. Edi was thrilled to see the team’s home dressing room and walk the tunnel to the football pitch.

After a quick trip to McDonalds for a celebratory McFlurry, Edi and the care staff returned home for her birthday tea with friends and family, where the Hambleton Grange kitchen team had made a NUFC themed birthday cake for the party.

Much to her surprise, Edi’s party guests included The Mayor of Thirsk, Councillor David Jackson and Councillor Andy Wake, the last elected Chairman in the Hambleton District. The pair presented Edi with some beautiful flowers and wished her a very happy birthday.

The Mayor, Councillor Jackson, said,

‘It was a real pleasure to meet Edi on her milestone 100^th birthday, and to join in the celebrations with her family and fellow residents at Hambleton Grange. To help Edi open her birthday card from King Charles III and see the smile on her face was the highlight of my day, and I feel honoured to have shared the experience with her.’

As well as the flowers from The Mayor and birthday card from His Majesty King Charles III, Edi was also surprised with official NUFC memorabilia and a special letter from former Newcastle United Captain, Bobby Moncur. Edi said,

‘This whole day has been absolutely wonderful; I couldn’t choose what my favourite part has been. I love Newcastle United, and I’ve been a lifelong fan.’

For her 101^st birthday, Edi said she would ‘love to go back to St James’ stadium to see a match in person because I’ve never done that.’

When asked the secret to living for 100 years, Edi simply replied ‘good living’.

Hambleton Grange care home, on Station Road in Thirsk, is a purpose-built luxury care home operated by Ideal Carehomes. Close to local services and amenities, it is rated good by the Care Quality Commission.

For more information, call 01845 523 837, email hambleton.grange@idealcarehomes.co.uk.