» Milestone for Pam as she celebrates a century
AN inspiring Cheltenham woman has melted hearts as she celebrated her 100th birthday.
Pam Sheeran hit her marvellous milestone in Gloucestershire last week, having been born in Manchester on October 20, 1920.
She was “pretty in pink” as she decided to match her outfit with that of HRH Queen Elizabeth II on her very special 100th birthday card.
Family, friends and neighbours came to celebrate with Pam, in what was described as “no mean feat”, considering the social distancing rules and regulations, but where there’s a will there’s usually a way.
The ladies of the Southfield WI formed a socially distanced human chain of bunting, and her daughter Carol and Highbury Club friends and neighbours, having decorated her bungalow the night before with balloons and banners, all gave her a cheer.
Pam married John Sheeran of the RAF in 1949. She was herself a part-time ambulance driver during the war.
In 1954, the couple moved to Rye, Sussex, and had two daughters.
In 1956 they moved to Tonbridge, Kent, where John taught at a residential school for special needs students, sponsored by Stars of Stage, Screen and Sport.
The then headmaster at Ullenwood Manor appointed John as vice principal to open a residential school for teenagers with all types of disability, now known as Star College in Ullenwood, Cheltenham.
Pam is still in touch with former residents of Star College and was very happy to receive cards from them on her special day.
Pam has three grandsons and four great-grandchildren and loves living in Cheltenham, which she describes as a “very interesting town where the people are friendly”.
She has held various volunteer roles, including working for Sue Ryder and Cancer Research, and is a member of the Southfield WI and Highbury Club for the sightimpaired.
She said she thinks she is “very lucky to have such good friends, neighbours and good health”.