Abergavenny ex-baker celebrates 103rd birthday (From South Wales Argus)

Abergavenny ex-baker celebrates 103rd birthday

2:20pm Monday 25th February 2013 in News

AS BAKING was one of her favourite pastimes, there was only one way Hilda Messenger was going to celebrate her 103rd birthday.

The Mardy Park Care Home resident tucked into a piece of a strawberry and whipped cream flan to celebrate the milestone on Friday.

Ms Messenger, who has lived at the Abergavenny care home since 2006, gives the staff there useful hints and tips from her own time in the kitchen.

At her former home, she used to grow all her own produce and bake her favourite cakes.

One of her presents was a lemon curd meringue and she also has a soft spot for fruit cake and jelly and ice cream.

Nikki Hancock, Mardy Park’s assistant head of care, said due to arthritis Ms Messenger cannot cook as much as she used to, but retains all her knowledge from years gone by.

Around 15 residents celebrated the birthday at a special tea party.

The pensioner, who is the oldest resident at the home by more than ten years, received several bunches of flowers and enjoyed reading messages on her 20 birthday cards.

“She was full of smiles. She loved it,” said Ms Hancock.