A FORMER teacher celebrated her 100th birthday with pupils from the school where she worked for nearly forty years.
Monica Summerson was visited by Year 3 pupils from Bilton Grange Preparatory School, who performed a selection of songs for her and fellow residents of Clifton Court Care Home to mark her centenary.
Monica started teaching at Homefield School – which later became Bilton Grange – in 1942, while the Second World War was still raging.
She retired 39 years later in 1981, when Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister and the nation celebrated the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana.
Monica was delighted with the birthday treat and enjoyed talking with the pupils and their teachers.
Headmaster Alex Osiatynski said the children had practised their pieces well in advance of the visit and were delighted to perform in front of a new audience.
He said: “It was important to mark this significant milestone for such a stalwart of the Bilton Grange community and we are delighted that we have been able to do so.
“We very much appreciate Clifton Court allowing us to perform for the ladies and gentlemen here – I think they really enjoyed it and so too did our children. It’s lovely to see two different generations enjoying performance together in this way.”
Clifton Court events manager Jo Swayer said: “I was really touched to hear that Bilton Grange pupils were keen to come along and perform to our residents and to wish Monica a happy birthday. This is something different and special which was enjoyed by all.”
