1912 was the year Captain Robert Scott’s expedition arrived at the South Pole, the Titanic hit an iceburg, George V was King and the suffragettes smashed shop windows in the West End of London as a pre-cursor to ensuring women were allowed to vote. It was also the year in which Sirona’s oldest resident was born.

Madge McGarry celebrated her 105th birthday this week with her family, friends, residents and staff.

Asquith was Prime Minister at the time of her birth, and there have been 24 in office since. She has lived through two World Wars, the abdication of Edward VIII, the coronation of both George VI and our current monarch, Elizabeth II, plus seen the advance of the car, the television, the computer and the mobile phone.

Madge lives at Combe Lea Community Resource Centre in Midsomer Norton, one of three residential homes run in Bath and North East Somerset by Sirona Care and Health, a not-for-profit social enterprise providing health and care services.

She is pictured with senior support worker, June Gulliford, with one of several cards she has received from the Queen over recent years marking her significant birthdays.

Madge’s daughter, Pam, who also lives in the town, said: “Madge loves the home and is particularly appreciative of the care and support that is given by June and the rest of the team at Combe Lea.

“Madge moved to Somerset from Woking, Surrey and has fond memories of days out in Bath, playing Bingo,” says Pam.

Debra Clifford, Home Manager, said: “We feel very privileged to be able to care for Madge. To reach the age of 105 is a fantastic achievement; it’s incredible to think of the changes which Madge has seen and experienced throughout the last century – what many of us consider history happened in her lifetime.

“Combe Lea is like one big family, and we were so pleased to be part of Madge’s celebrations with her family.”