BOROUGH resident Wilhelmine celebrated her birthday in style.
Toasting her great achievement with her over lunch at Cote were her Link friends Malcolm and Kathy Bruce.
Link Visiting Scheme CEO Marjie Walker and newly recruited staff member Nicky also dropped in to the restaurant to deliver presents and happy birthday messages.
And with balloons and decorations kindly provided by Cote manager Serena Sciampacone, Wilhelmine was completely surrounded by gifts, cards and warm wishes.
Malcolm and Kathy have enjoyed Wilhelmine’s company for three years, ever since the friends were matched by The Link.
“She has enriched our lives enormously,” said Malcolm.
“Whenever we chat, in person or on the phone, I always learn something new.
“Her memory is astounding.
“She can perfectly remember the names of hotels she visited in 1964 perfectly.
“Today it’s bothering her, though, that she can’t quite recall the Latin name for a birthday house plant she’s been given, when we haven’t a clue!”
Kathy agreed: “Wilhelmine’s wonderful, and so in touch with what’s going on.
“The first thing she does every morning is check WhatsApp to find out what her friends are up to.”
“She calls it What’s Up, and we’re in touch every day.
“Oh, and she’s the perfect travel guide.”
Wilhelmine regularly recommends holiday destinations, and when Malcolm and Kathy take a holiday, they are always under strict instructions to send her photos of the places they visit.
“I travelled a lot, years ago, when I could still move,” she joked.
“It was always so interesting to see things you don’t come across every day.”
Link CEO Marjie said: “There are so many interesting older people in the borough, and lots of wonderful volunteers.
“There is no reason for anyone to grow old alone in Wokingham Borough; not with The Link Visiting Scheme.
“Wilhelmine prefers to meet up and chat with just Malcolm and Kathy, but there are also lots of Link groups people can join if they wish.
“Every friendship is tailored to suit the individual.”
Wilhelmine is an avid Telegraph reader, and keeps a close eye on current affairs and sport.
Once a keen golfer at East Berkshire Golf Club, she regularly discusses the game with Malcolm.
“She’ll ring up and say, ‘It’s Malcolm’s other wife,’” laughed Kathy.
“And then I’ll hear them both having a great time discussing golf.”
When asked how it felt to reach 100 years, Wilhelmine said with a smile: “Nothing really; it’s just another day – I’m a bit more tired.”
If she has a secret recipe for living life well, she’s not telling – but whatever it is, it must be good.
“We get just as much out of spending time with Wilhelmine, as she does with us,” said Malcolm.
“It feels like family, and we have lots of fun together – we’re never short of things to talk about.”
