Turning 100 in style
"It feels like family": Wilhelmine celebrates her 100th birthday in style
When Wilhelmine turned 100, she wasn't short of people to celebrate with. Thanks to The Link Visiting Scheme, she hasn't been short of people for quite some time.
Wilhelmine marked her centenary over lunch at Cotê in Wokingham, joined by her Link friends Malcolm and Kathy Bruce, the couple matched with her through The Link three years ago.
Our CEO Marjie Walker and new staff member Nicky dropped by to deliver presents and birthday messages, and with balloons and decorations kindly provided by Cotê manager Serena Sciampacone, Wilhelmine was completely surrounded by gifts, cards and warm wishes.
Malcolm and Kathy have loved every moment of the friendship. "She has enriched our lives enormously," said Malcolm. "Whenever we chat, I always learn something new. Her memory is astounding, she can perfectly recall the names of hotels she visited in 1964."
Wilhelmine is also an indispensable travel guide, sending Malcolm and Kathy off on holidays under strict instructions to photograph every destination they visit. "I travelled a lot, years ago, when I could still move," she said. "It was always so interesting to see things you don't come across every day."
Kathy is equally fond of her. "Wilhelmine's wonderful, and so in touch with what's going on — the first thing she does every morning is check WhatsApp." She calls it 'What's Up', adds Kathy, and they're in touch every day.
When asked how it felt to reach 100, Wilhelmine was characteristically understated: "Nothing really — it's just another day. I'm a bit more tired."
For Marjie, the celebration was a reminder of what The Link is all about. "There are so many interesting older people in the borough, and wonderful volunteers to match them with. There is no reason for anyone to grow old alone in Wokingham Borough — not with The Link Visiting Scheme."
Malcolm put it simply: "We get just as much out of spending time with Wilhelmine as she does with us. It feels like family."
A Birthday Remembered
For many of our Link Friends, a birthday card from The Link Visiting Scheme is the only card they will receive. Each card is more than paper and ink – it is a reminder that someone remembers them, values them, and cares.
We send birthday cards to every one of our Link Friends, and for those who are ageing alone, or who reach special milestones such as their 100th birthday, we also include a small gift to help them feel truly celebrated.
A birthday card costs just £1.05, including postage. By giving up a coffee, you could pay for three birthday cards, bringing joy, connection and reassurance to three older people in our community.
Your donation will help ensure that no Link Friend feels forgotten on their birthday – and that every milestone is marked with kindness.