They need you to get involved
A Bristol care home is appealing to the local community to help celebrate a remarkable milestone by sending birthday cards to one of its residents who is about to turn 100.
Kathleen Reynolds, who survived wartime bombings and built a life full of rich experiences, will mark her 100th birthday on Friday, May 30, at Druid Stoke Bupa Care Home. The care home is hoping to gather at least 100 cards to decorate her room for the occasion.
Originally from Lowestoft, Kathleen relocated to Druid Stoke in 2023 to be closer to her son Andrew. Born prematurely as the youngest daughter of Reggie and Gertrude Bird, she grew up with sisters Stella and Dorothy.
During the second world war, Kathleen was evacuated from Lowestoft to Shirebrook in Derbyshire, forging lifelong friendships with the family who hosted her and her close friend Audrey. At the age of 15, she began working at Boots in Lowestoft town centre. She narrowly escaped serious injury when the store was partially destroyed in Waller’s Raid, the worst bombing attack the town faced during the war.
Kathleen later met and married Sidney Reynolds, an award-winning photographer known for his national and international accolades. Together, they had two sons, Robert and Andrew. After raising her children, Kathleen returned to the retail industry, which she said she had always enjoyed.
Looking ahead to her birthday, Kathleen said: “I am looking forward to celebrating my birthday with my family. I feel lucky to be marking my 100th birthday and living a long and happy life.”
Keyly Scott, home manager at Druid Stoke, described Kathleen as “a wonderful resident” with a passion for cooking, baking and gardening.
Keyly added: “We love hearing her interesting stories, of travelling with her husband and living through the war. We hope the community sends Kathleen a card, to show how special she is. Cards of the seafront, or pictures of cats are her favourite!”
Anyone wishing to send Kathleen a card can do so by posting it to: 31 Druid Stoke Avenue, Bristol, BS9 1DE
Druid Stoke Bupa Care Home offers nursing and residential care. More details are available at Bupa Druid Stoke and Bupa Care Services.