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102nd birthday at The Princess Alexandra Home
Card-playing Annie Testler celebrates her 102nd birthday
Life is a social whirl of kalooki and bridge for Annie Testler who celebrated her 102nd birthday on Thursday 22nd November with a party at Jewish Care’s Princess Alexandra Home in Common Road, Stanmore, where she has lived since March.
Born in Poland, the chirpy centenarian enjoys nothing better than a game of kalooki with the other residents. She also keeps in touch with her bridge-playing pals from Belmont Lodge in Bushey, where she previously lived. Several came to her party, accompanied by manager Sue Parfitt.
Her first husband Ben Kesel died in 1962 and she later married Morris Testler, who has also passed away, and they lived in Bournemouth. As a child, she attended Jews Free School and later became a seamstress, then managed a fashion shop in Finchley.
Mrs Testler enjoyed old time music hall tunes performed by entertainer Glen Hayes and a tea with a birthday cake made by Eurest, which does the catering for the home. Helping to cut the cake Fionnuala Baiden, registered manager of the Princess Alexandra home, says Annie is “amazing – she is so lively and articulate – we all love having her here.”
Afterwards, Annie’s son Henry Kesel, who lives in Harrow Weald, with his wife Frances, said: “Mum is very happy here. Jewish Care is fabulous – you couldn’t ask for more.” Annie will also enjoy a family party on Sunday with her great grandchildren.
When asked how it felt to be 102, she replied: “I don’t feel any different, just very old. I enjoyed my party – it was fun. But what I like best is playing cards!
