Armistice Day was an extra special day at Polebank Hall Residential Care Home in Gee Cross, Hyde.

For on the very day in 1918 that Germany signed the Armistice agreement to end World War One, Polebank Hall’s most senior resident - Olga Webster - was born.

Olga was born at noon on November 11, 1918, just one hour after the guns fell silent marking the end of the First World War.

Staff and residents at Polebank Hall Residential Care Home gathered to celebrate Olga’s birthday in style.

Olga was born in Liverpool to Janet and George Westrall, and grew up in Liverpool with her two sisters Jean and Pat. She moved to Stockport in the 1960s. Olga is now a widow, and has two daughters Pat and Liz.

Olga’s career was mainly in secretarial work, but during the Second World War she drove all over the country visiting farmers, selling seeds to them.

Olga enjoys travel and has visited many places around the world including Germany, Portugal and France. She made the decision to move to Polebank Hall in January last year.

Olga celebrated her 103rd birthday by having a tea party with her friends, the staff, and her family. At her request she had a home-cooked lamb dinner for her evening meal accompanied by her favourite glass of merlot.

Polebank Hall put out an appeal on social media for birthday messages, and Olga was left speechless on the morning of her birthday to receive 287 birthday cards as well as a huge number of gifts and flowers from family, friends and well-wishers, some from even as far away as Spain!

The Polebank Hall Care Home management and staff, and the local community really pulled together to make Olga’s day a special one.

The Balloon Boutique in Hyde sent a large balloon display and a birthday sash, while Frankie’s Café in Denton provided afternoon tea.

The Hyde District Nurses, Dowson Primary School, Greswell Primary School, Romiley Primary School, Oakwood Care Centre, Holy Trinity Church and Holy Trinity Primary School all sent cards, flowers and messages, with the children at Holy Trinity sending a recording singing Happy Birthday.

The children from the village nursery also paid a doorstep visit to bring cards and sing Happy Birthday.

Polebank Hall Care Home Registered Manager Sarah Benson said: “Olga is a very special lady and she loved her day.”

Asked about the secret to longevity and wellness, Olga said: “Don’t worry about things, attend your regular doctor’s appointments and screenings, and enjoy your wine!"

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