Bath’s new MP Wera Hobhouse helped celebrate Jean Tranah’s 100th birthday at the weekend, which took place at Bridgemead Care Home on St John’s Road in Bath.
Photo courtesy of Hamish Kale
Along with MP Wera Hobhouse, Councillor Rob Appleyard, Deputy Mayor, and his fiancée Amanda Fraser, Marian McNeir, patron of Bridgemead, Geoff Weekes, Chair of the Trustees, Pam Bourton Head of Care at Bridgemead, Rev John Farren and Rev Peter Taylor, former ministers of Hay Hill Baptist church, Rev Andrew Shergold, Philippine Independent Catholic Bishop in Europe, Gillian Murray, Miss Tranah’s niece from East Kent, and many friends, residents, and staff joined the celebrations.
There was a service led by Rev Alan Ashworth, the chaplain of Bridgemead, and Miss Tranah gave a speech saying she did not feel her age, that her faith had kept her going, how important it was to look forward and not back, and praised the staff of Bridgemead for being ‘ministering angels’ to her.
Over a cream tea, the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Rob Appleyard, said: “To get to be a hundred years old with all the pressures, wars and political unrest of the world, but with such a good heart is marvellous.
“She has such faith and is an incredible person. Bridgemead is brilliant. I first came here a few years ago as Chair of the Council. There is a sense of grace and love here, and the food is amazing!”
Wera Hobhouse, after chatting to Miss Tranah, said: “This home shows what a care home should be like. It is happy and warm, people are well looked after and appreciate the care they receive. I cherish listening to someone of 100 years old who has so much wisdom and is so positive – it is extraordinary.”
Marian McNeir patron of Bridgemead said: “I loved Jean’s speech which reflected her very positive attitude to life and I am especially impressed by her continued interest in people – she said, ‘I lose myself in people’ – that is a great gift.
“What I admire so much about Bridgemead is that it is a real community where people are loved and cherished. I am very excited by the proposed new developments which will provide dementia care facilities.”
