102-year-old Sutton Coldfield care home resident shares secret to long life
Doreen “Babs” Boyden, who credits her longevity to drinking bitter and pale ale, put her knowledge to the test at an Oktoberfest celebration
A 102-year-old care home resident shared her love of ale during an Oktoberfest celebration in Sutton Coldfield.
Doreen “Babs” Boyden joined fellow residents and visitors at Care UK’s Bishops Manor, on Jockey Road, for an afternoon of beer tasting, German-inspired food and live entertainment.
Babs, who credits her long life to drinking only bitter or pale ale, shared her expertise as guests sampled a selection of German beers and rated them out of 10.
She said: “I’ve always enjoyed a bitter. My husband used to teach me about the different ales and bitters.
“I’ve never been a wine or gin drinker, and I really enjoyed the Camden Pale Ale today.”
The home’s head chef prepared a special menu inspired by the famous German beer festival, including pretzels and bratwurst-inspired dishes.
Guests also learned about the history of Oktoberfest before enjoying live music from singer Robert Burton, who performed traditional German songs.
Jody Sedgwick, home manager at Bishops Manor, said everyone had enjoyed the celebration, with Babs’s beer knowledge proving a highlight.
She said: “At Bishops Manor, we are committed to ensuring the home is a welcoming and supportive place for everyone, where different cultures and interests are celebrated through memorable activities.”