Barbara

Five generations of family came together to celebrate Barbara Bennett’s 102nd birthday at Southern Housing’s Byrnhill Grove Care Home in Ventnor.

The Park Avenue care home was decorated with balloons and full of well-wishers, as everyone came together to celebrate Barbara’s special day on 2 February. There was plenty of cake and several singalongs, led by a talented member of the care team, who prefers to remain an anonymous songbird!

When asked the secret to a long life, Barbara responded: “Good health. And my mother was always very strict; she was good to us but firm. It kept me out of trouble I suppose but I was a daddy’s girl.”

Reflecting on her happiest years, she added: “If I could go back to any time in my life, I’d go back to my 30s I think, I had such a good time.”

Barbara was born on the Isle of Wight in 1924 and has lived here all her life. She worked at Morey’s Mill before meeting her husband, Leonard, who was stationed locally during his army service. They married in 1944 and went on to raise four children together. Her family has grown ever since and she’s now a proud great great-grandmother who loves being surrounded by her loved ones.

“It was an honour to celebrate Barbara’s big day with her. Seeing five generations of the family together was extraordinary.

“She’s a wonderful lady, popular with other residents and a shining light at Byrnhill Grove.”

- Marieanne Crossley, Care Worker

 

Our news

All Articles
CO Web
  • 04 September 2026
  • Care

A special visit for 22 Argyll Street

Intranet SID 11
  • 10 December 2025
  • Care

Christmas celebration brings Island residents together

Yvonne Smaller
  • 14 November 2025
  • Care

‘Firecracker’ Yvonne turns 104 with a sherry, limo ride and a lot of laughs

Ryde Residents Resized
  • 10 November 2025
  • Care

Ryde residents craft hundreds of handmade poppies for Poppy Appeal

Matteo Vistocco U Cvu45flh8 Unsplash
  • 01 October 2025
  • Care

Insights into our older residents

Marnie 1
  • 30 September 2025
  • Care

Ryde Village residents welcome a furry friend

Helen Crop
  • 07 August 2025
  • Care

Raising money for a great cause on the Isle of Wight

Residents
  • 07 August 2025
  • Care

Residents lead the way in kitchen makeover

Fairlee Garden Furniture And Bbq
  • 31 July 2025
  • Care

Garden revamp brings everyone together at Fairlee

Web
  • 08 July 2025
  • Care

Pizza night delivers a slice of community at Oakleigh

Image (5)
  • 03 July 2025
  • Care

Sunshine, spades and sausages: Coming together at Butlers Gardens

IMG 0698
  • 09 May 2025
  • Care

VE Day anniversary celebrations across our care and support services

IMG 1724
  • 27 March 2025
  • Care

Residents saddle up for donkey visit

Ryde Village Shop
  • 14 March 2025
  • Care

Check out our new shop at Ryde Village