On 8 October, Flo (Florence) Burford, a resident who has lived with us the longest of all the residents at Elizabeth Prout Gardens, celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by love, laughter and a whole lot of cake.
Born in Warley in 1925, Flo was the youngest of nine children. Her family’s wartime stories are nothing short of extraordinary - her brother John drove Field Marshal Montgomery and was awarded the Military Medal by King George VI. Flo herself joined the Land Army during the war, though only for a day!
In 1946, aged 21, she married Eric Stocking. Together they had two sons, Mick and Roy. Eric served in the RAF for the first decade of their marriage, and during those years, Flo worked various jobs and moved frequently due to the post-war housing shortage. At one point, she lived in someone’s front room and even stayed in a bed and breakfast with a very young Mick.
Later, Flo settled at Lion Farm Estate in Oldbury before moving to Elizabeth Prout Gardens over 30 years ago. Known for her love of bingo - until her eyesight made it tricky - Flo has always enjoyed being part of the community.
Her 100th birthday was marked with two special celebrations, a birthday tea with her fellow residents and a family gathering with friends and loved ones, including her 21 great-grandchildren!
She received her official birthday card from the King and thoroughly enjoyed the festivities.
Though her eyesight and hearing aren’t what they used to be, Flo still enjoys knitting and going out for lunch every weekend with her son, Mick.
Here’s to Flo - 100 years young and still going strong.
