18th March 2008
The Royal Star & Garter's Oldest Resident Celebrates her 102nd Birthday
With Pat Mervyn-Smith's 102nd birthday falling on St Patrick's Day, the celebrations were bound to have an Irish flavour. About 60 residents and staff at The Royal Star & Garter's Richmond Home gathered to join Pat in marking this significant day.
Sergeant John Hooper from the Band of the Irish Guards opened the party with a selection of lively Irish tunes played on his violin, and soon had everyone singing and clapping.
Pat was then given a birthday card from the Charity's President, HRH Princess Alexandra, a House of Commons Easter egg from Richmond Park's MP Susan Kramer, and a brooch from the Home's staff.
While enjoying cake, whisky and Guinness, the guests were asked a series of Irish quiz questions by resident Eamon McArdle, and listened to actor Edward de Souza - currently appearing in The Golden Compass - read a history of St Patrick and serenade Pat with an Irish birthday song.
Then Sergeant Hooper came back to play an Irish medley, culminating in a rousing sing-along performance of When Irish Eyes Are Smiling followed by three cheers for Pat.
Pat, who served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service, came to the Richmond Home in October 2000 and is one of the liveliest residents, frequently arriving first to participate in any activities taking place. Everyone was delighted to join her birthday festivities and to see her animated response to the proceedings.