Joyce from Penwortham celebrates 100th birthday with return to Blackpool ballroom where she met her husband

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A Penwortham resident celebrated her 100th birthday with a heartfelt journey to Blackpool, where she first met her husband and relished her success as a ballroom dancer.

Joyce Watts, who moved to Penwortham Grange and Lodge in Preston last November, enjoyed this special milestone thanks to the thoughtful planning of the Orchard Care Homes team.

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When they heard about her story and memories of the Empress Ballroom in Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, they decided to plan a special day for her.

Joyce shared that she began dancing at the age of 18, performing with friends at the famous venue as well as in London during the 1940s.

She said: “Dancing meant everything to me; it was a real sense of achievement.

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“I won my first competition around the age of 18. They had something called an International Award back then.

“If you earned all your gold medals over three years, you won a trophy. I was incredibly proud of that.”

Joyce Watts (left) and Joan enjoy the Winter Gardens again.Joyce Watts (left) and Joan enjoy the Winter Gardens again.
Joyce Watts (left) and Joan enjoy the Winter Gardens again. | Third party

It was her passion for dance that led Joyce to meet her husband, Ron.

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Together, they formed a competition group with six other couples. Their dedication paid off when they were crowned British Formation Dancing champions one year and competed internationally in Denmark.

To celebrate her 100th birthday, Joyce was thrilled to take her best friend Joan on a special trip to Blackpool.

The pair visited the iconic Blackpool Tower ballroom and the Winter Gardens.

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As fans of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, Joyce and Joan enjoyed VIP seats at the front of the dance floor, where they delighted in the music from the Wurlitzer and a delightful afternoon tea.

Jayne and Joan even danced themselves, reminiscing about Joyce’s days as a successful ballroom dancer.

Joyce Watts and husband Ron in all their glory during their dancing golden daysJoyce Watts and husband Ron in all their glory during their dancing golden days
Joyce Watts and husband Ron in all their glory during their dancing golden days | Third party

Jayne Farrow, Activities Coordinator at Penwortham Grange and Lodge, shared: “Joyce was beaming all afternoon and admired how beautiful the ballroom was.

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“Moments like these are so precious because they help reignite our passions, evoke cherished memories, and add profound meaning to our lives.

“Joyce is incredibly independent, using a walking aid only occasionally, and she delights in chatting with others and lending a helping hand whenever she can. We wish her a very happy 100th birthday and are already looking forward to celebrating her 101st!

Penwortham Grange and Lodge is part of the Orchard Care Homes group, which operates 23 homes across the North of England and the Midlands and has an ethos based around the premise of enriching the lives of its residents.

When asked what the secret to a long happy life was, Joyce replied: “To always try to be kind to others and laugh a lot. Life has its serious moments, but you must have the fun times.”

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