A resident at a Reading care home has celebrated her 98th birthday in style, enjoying an afternoon of dancing, music and celebrations with family and friends.
Mary Parsons, who lives at Friends Place, a residential care home operated by the charity Friends of the Elderly, was treated to a special Strictly Come Dancing-inspired birthday party organised by the care team.
The celebration included afternoon tea, a birthday cake and plenty of dancing, reflecting Mary’s lifelong passion for music and keeping active.
Mary moved into Friends Place in October 2025 after deciding it was the right environment for her needs.
Mary said:
“When I visited the care home and met the lovely team, my mind was made up that it was perfect for all my needs as I wanted somewhere that I would be looked after and feel like a home, and Friends Place ticked all the boxes.”
Born and raised in the Berkshire village of Theale, Mary attended Theale Primary School, where she remembers enjoying time with her friends and occasionally getting into trouble.
She recalls being particularly talkative during lessons and getting caught picking apples with her school friends.
Mary recalled:
“I must admit, I was always getting into trouble for talking too much, and that hasn’t changed at all.
“My friends and I also used to get in trouble for scrumping, but every time we got caught, we always went back again for more apples.”
After leaving school, Mary began working as an office clerk at the Royal Ordnance Factory in Theale, which played a role in Britain’s wartime munitions production.
She later changed careers and became a medical secretary, a role she remembers with considerable affection.
Mary said:
“I loved working and enjoyed my jobs very much, and still miss them today.”
In 1973, Mary married her second husband, Bert, in Theale. The couple enjoyed a honeymoon in Devon and went on to build a family together.
Mary is now a proud grandmother to two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Among her favourite memories are the holidays she enjoyed with Bert, particularly a trip to Canada with friends, where she surprised everyone by taking part in a bungee jump.
Mary recalled:
“It was a wonderful holiday, and Canada felt like home to me; I loved it. Whilst there I did something that my care home friends couldn’t believe. I actually did a bungee jump. It was so exhilarating.”
Throughout her life, dancing has remained one of Mary’s greatest passions.
She believes music and movement have played an important role in keeping her happy, active and positive.
Mary explained:
“I truly believe dancing is good for the soul. I love hearing the songs and rhythms and just losing myself in the music.
“It’s always been a great physical and emotional release for me, as well as being a great way to stay fit and active.”
Since moving into Friends Place, Mary has become an enthusiastic participant in the home’s activities and community events.
She even dressed as Mrs Claus during a Christmas grotto celebration, helping entertain children visiting the care home.
Elisha Hall-Jones, Activities Coordinator at Friends Place, said:
“Mary is an absolute delight and always up for all the activities we have at Friends Place.
“She’s fearless, funny and so caring and thoroughly loves a good dance. She’s such a joy to be around.”
To mark her milestone birthday, the care team arranged an afternoon filled with Mary’s favourite activities, bringing together residents, staff and family members for a celebration.
Alina Gutu, General Manager at Friends Place, said:
“We wanted to give Mary a birthday full of her favourite things.
“Not just because she’s such a well-loved member of the care home family that we are honoured to care for and support, but because she’s just such a wonderful lady.
“So, we threw her a delicious afternoon tea party, complete with a tasty celebratory birthday cake which she enjoyed with her family and care home friends, put the music on and danced the afternoon away.”
Reflecting on her birthday, Mary said the opportunity to celebrate with those closest to her had made the occasion particularly memorable.
She also shared her advice for living a long and fulfilling life, emphasising the importance of kindness, helping others and making the most of every day.
Mary concluded:
“I had a brilliant 98th birthday. Having fun, chatting and dancing with my family and care home friends, it was perfect.
“I was asked what’s the secret to my long and happy life and I have to say, it has to be offering help to others if they need it, being kind and enjoying life, which I do every day.”
Friends Place is operated by Friends of the Elderly, a UK charity providing care and support for older people.
Further information about the home is available on the Friends Place website.
