Chipping Norton Care Home Celebrates WWII Veteran Joan Ramsay’s Remarkable 105th Birthday

A Chipping Norton care home has proudly celebrated an extraordinary milestone as resident and Second World War veteran Joan Ramsay marked her 105th birthday surrounded by family, friends and fellow residents.

Joan, who moved to Penhurst Gardens Care Home in 2024, has become a much-loved member of the community, known for her warm personality, gentle sense of humour and fascinating life experiences. Her special day on 12th May was commemorated with a joyful birthday celebration hosted by the care home, bringing together loved ones, residents and staff to honour her remarkable life.

The festivities included a birthday party complete with cake, flowers, cards and impressive 105th birthday balloons. One of the highlights of the day was receiving a congratulatory card from His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen, a gesture that brought a smile to Joan’s face and delighted everyone who joined in the celebrations.

Adding to the significance of the occasion, the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, Jawaid Malik, paid a special visit to Penhurst Gardens to personally congratulate Joan and recognise her contribution and resilience throughout her long and inspiring life.

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A Lifelong Oxford United Supporter

The celebrations continued beyond Joan’s birthday when, on 20th May, she received a surprise visit from Oxford United club ambassador Peter Rhoades-Brown, affectionately known as Rosie.

A dedicated supporter of Oxford United for decades, Joan held a season ticket for more than 40 years and attended matches until the age of 92. One of her most treasured memories is watching Oxford United lift the Milk Cup at Wembley in 1986.

To make the occasion even more memorable, Rosie brought the famous trophy with him, giving Joan the opportunity to see it once again in person. The visit proved to be an emotional and joyful moment, reflecting her lifelong passion for the club, which she continues to follow closely today.

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A Life Shaped by Service and Family

Born on 12th May 1921 on a dairy farm in Abergavenny, Wales, Joan experienced both hardship and resilience from an early age. Following the loss of her mother during childhood, she was raised by her father and their housekeeper.

At just 18 years old, Joan joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service during the Second World War, training as a cook. Her service took her to France only six weeks after D-Day, providing her with a unique first-hand perspective on one of history’s most significant events.

While serving in Paris, Joan met her future husband, Ian, who was serving in the Royal Air Force as a navigator. The couple later married in Aberdeen before eventually settling in Oxfordshire, where Ian’s career brought the family in the early 1960s. They lived in Long Wittenham before making their home in Woodstock, where they spent the next 50 years together.

Family has always remained at the heart of Joan’s life. She has two children, Linda and John, with John continuing to visit his mother regularly at Penhurst Gardens.

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A Cherished Member of the Penhurst Gardens Community

Reflecting on her birthday celebrations, Joan expressed her gratitude to everyone who helped make the occasion so special.

“I enjoyed my birthday, especially the lovely flowers, cards and the large 105 balloons. I was also very thankful for all the best wishes from family, residents and staff at Penhurst Gardens Care Home,” she said.

Lynne Elliott, Home Manager at Penhurst Gardens Care Home, described Joan as an inspiration to everyone around her.

“Joan is a truly remarkable lady, and it has been a privilege for us all to help her celebrate her 105th birthday here at Penhurst Gardens,” said Lynne.

“She has lived through so much change and has such an incredible life story, from growing up in Wales and serving during the Second World War to raising her family and making a home here in Oxfordshire. Joan has a quiet dignity about her, but she is also endlessly interesting and a joy to spend time with.”

Lynne also thanked Joan’s family, friends, the care team, the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire and Oxford United for helping create lasting memories during the celebrations.

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An Inspiration Across Generations

Paying tribute to Joan, High Sheriff of Oxfordshire Jawaid Malik praised her courage, grace and enduring spirit.

“Today, we celebrate not only your 105 years, but the remarkable life behind them, a life that has witnessed so much change, contributed so much, and continues to bring joy to others,” he said.

Joan’s milestone birthday serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience, service and dedication of a generation that lived through historic events while building strong families and communities. Her story continues to inspire residents, staff and visitors alike at Penhurst Gardens Care Home, where she remains a treasured member of the community.

As everyone at Penhurst Gardens joins together in wishing Joan a very happy 105th birthday, her remarkable journey stands as a testament to a life well lived, rich in memories, service and love.

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