Queen’s card is icing on the cake for 100-year-old Phyllis (From Swindon Advertiser)

Queen’s card is icing on the cake for 100-year-old Phyllis

7:10pm Monday 19th November 2012 in News By Emma Dunn

A CARD from the Queen arrived for Phyllis Oborne as she celebrated becoming a centenarian.

The Fairhaven residential home resident, who was born in Swindon on November 19, 1912, was treated to an afternoon of music with her friends and family as part of the celebrations today.

Phyllis was the youngest of three siblings born to Agnes and Edward Butcher.

Her niece, Edna Butcher, said: “She has always enjoyed going out and about. She used to love going out for days on the train or the bus.

“She has lived in Swindon virtually all her life apart from 15 years in Bristol.”

Phyllis grew up in Stafford Street, along with her brothers Edward and William, and later trained as a dressmaker.

She and her late husband, Jack, tied the knot at Swindon Register Office.

Edna said: “If my husband was still here he would be surprised she is celebrating her 100th birthday – she has outlived him, she has outlived all the family.”

Phyllis moved to Fairhaven, in Old Town, in 2004.

Senior carer Colin Harris said: “Phyllis is a character and she is strong willed.

“She is a gentle and friendly lady and she is the eldest resident we have here.”