To mark Florence Collins’ milestone 100th birthday, her family and the Specialist Housing team at Epperstone Court, Nottingham made her queen for the day and held a celebration party in her honour.
Known as Flo to her family and Iris at Epperstone Court, she was born in Nottingham, the oldest of four children. After leaving school she worked at a local factory that made hosiery.
Lorraine DeCosta, Platform’s Retirement Housing Officer, explained: “I’m delighted to say that Iris’ special day is the second 100th Birthday we have recently celebrated. Iris has lived at Epperstone Court for an incredible 26 years, being one of the first residents to move in, when it was built in 1997.
“Before moving in, Iris would come down to the foyer most days to keep an eye on everything that was going on. Every Tuesday, she would kindly bring the scheme manager a ham sandwich and she often volunteered to help, although I’m told that she could quite often be late for work!”
Iris lived in Cheltenham and Newcastle before returning to her hometown of Nottingham. In Cheltenham she worked at Cadburys and when visiting her family, she would have a small bag of clothes and a large suitcase full of chocolate to share!
Known and loved by everyone at Epperstone Court, she is looked after by her son and extended family who regularly visit and do her shopping.
When asked about her secret to living to such an incredible age, Iris shared this golden nugget: “Early to bed, early to rise makes you healthy, wealthy and wise.”