Pat Corbin, a resident at RMBI Home Zetland Court in Bournemouth, has celebrated her 108th birthday.
Pat’s milestone age makes her the oldest resident across RMBI Care Co’s 18 care homes in England and Wales.
To mark her special day Pat enjoyed a wonderful high tea at the home, where she has lived for two years, with her family and friends. She was delighted to receive a birthday card from Her Majesty the Queen.
Pat was born in Jersey in the Channel Islands, on 17 March 1911, three years before the first World War had even begun and two days before the first ever International Women’s Day. King George V was on the throne, Herbert Asquith was Prime Minister and RMS Titanic was waiting to be launched.
She was christened Elsie, but as she was born on St Patrick's Day her father decided to call her Pat. Pat married her late husband John in the 1940s and together they travelled to South Africa and Canada among other places. Sadly, John passed away in 1970.
During the Second World War, Pat joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), the women’s branch of the British Army and by the end of the war she had been made a lieutenant.
After the war ended and the Channel Islands were liberated from German occupation, Pat and her late brother Ron boarded the first boat from Plymouth to St Helier. There they were reunited with their mother and father who they hadn’t seen for six years. Pat’s father had been imprisoned by German soldiers for having a crystal radio hidden at his home.
One of Pat’s joys in life has been her love of travel. She also adores dogs and kept fit for years by walking her beloved Doberman Tasso.
Pat’s family puts her longevity down to 'good genes', with many of her relatives living into their 90s. She has kept to a healthy lifestyle and has never smoked, but she has enjoyed the occasional glass of her favourite tipple, Guinness. The secret to her long life, Pat says simply: “It’s just one of those things”.
Debra Curtis, activities co-ordinator at RMBI Home Zetland Court, says: “Pat is a truly inspiring woman and we felt really privileged to celebrate her 108th birthday at our home. It was a really lovely celebration which was thoroughly enjoyed by Pat and her family.”
