A resident at Sanctuary Care’s The Green Residential Care Home has celebrated her milestone 106th birthday with family, the team and her fellow residents.

Born and raised in Penryn, Joyce Penfold jokes that the key to her longevity is enjoying her favourite treats of “chocolate and plenty of whisky!”

Joyce, who moved into the not-for-profit Redruth care home in August 2023, left school at the age of 14 and worked as a receptionist at the Royal Duchy Hotel.

One of her fondest memories is meeting husband-to-be Joseph.

“I went dancing a lot and I met his brother and sister. He came to the dance, and I was worried he wouldn’t be able to dance, but he was better than I was!”

They had two children, Maria and Ken, followed by three grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Talking about how Joyce feels to have reached such an incredible age she says: “I have been very lucky; I have had a few sad ups and downs, but many good runs to even them out.

“I was brought up in a happy home, surrounded by a loving family and now I’m lucky to be in such a good home with excellent carers.

“When I was 13 my granny gave me a signet ring, as I got older it was too big for my finger, so my daughter took it for me. Just recently I noticed my fingers had changed so my daughter brought it back in and I can wear it again, that made me so happy!”

Home manager at The Green, Dion-Jayne Wills said: “We are honoured to be able to celebrate such a momentous day with Joyce and her family.

“She is an absolute joy to be around and is always smiling and reminiscing with us. Joyce is a special person in our community here at The Green and we are proud to be able to share her special day with her.”