Cheers to 104 years of Devon spirit: Torquay celebrates Beryl Delbridge

In the grand, historic halls of Sundial Lodge on Torquay’s Park Hill Road - a beautifully preserved Georgian gem built in 1802 - Beryl Delbridge celebrated her 104th birthday on January 12 with a party that made her feel every bit the celebrity. 

Her hairdresser had arrived early that morning to make sure she was picture-perfect for the occasion, “especially with the press on their way,” she said.

Beryl has been a much-loved resident at Sundial Lodge for nearly eight years. 

“She’s captured our hearts with her sense of humour, warmth, and kind nature,” says Niki, a dedicated staff member who knows her well. 

Niki and Beryl on her special day

Born on 12 January 1922, Beryl grew up as an only child in the village of Swimbridge in North Devon, where her father worked on a farm. Her life has been full of rhythm and resilience since. From a young age, she loved to dance - “with anyone, anywhere, at any time”. 

During the Second World War, she contributed to the effort by working at an ammunition factory in Barnstaple, a detail that surfaced years later when a puzzled visitor once spotted, what appeared to be, an inactive bomb in her flat. 

“It’s inactive, dear - don’t worry,” she replied casually.

Love came in the form of her husband Richard, affectionately known as Dick, with whom she shared more than 60 cherished years until his passing in 2011. The couple spent idyllic days on their boat and at Brynsworthy Nurseries, where Dick cultivated tomatoes renowned for their sharp, unique flavour. Beryl was the devoted partner in the kitchen, delighting in cooking hearty meals. In 1990, they relocated to Torquay to be nearer to family.

A woman of remarkable determination, Beryl only relinquished her driving licence in her late 90s. 

“I had places to go and places to see,” she said. An avid animal lover who once rode horses and walked her dogs past the very gates of Sundial Lodge, never dreaming she’d one day call it home.

So, what’s the secret to reaching 104? 

“Sheer good luck and a whisky every now and again,” Beryl declares. 

And staff confirm it’s spot-on: she enjoys a tipple - whisky, gin and tonic, perhaps with a couple of packets of crisps.

A large crowd gathered for the celebration, including a past neighbour, Brendan Harnett, who visits monthly with his son - a sports masseuse who, now and again, treats her to a massage. A singer performed crowd-pleasers like Take Me Home, Country Roads and Is This the Way to Amarillo - the latter had Beryl and guests happily singing along to the “Sha la la la la la la la” parts. 

Brendan and Beryl 

Beryl donned a sparkling tiara while everyone else sported party hats. As camera flashes popped, she beamed: “I’ve never had a birthday like this!” 

Technical hitches delayed the candle-lighting, prompting Brendan to quip: “They can’t get all the candles on, Beryl!”

The celebration was a double birthday bash for two much-loved residents, with two impressive cakes baked fresh on-site taking centre stage: a Victoria sponge for 90-year-old George and a special one for Beryl. A quip that he’s a “toyboy” in comparison to the birthday girl was a fan favourite.

George with his birthday cake

Here’s to many more milestones, more stories and more whiskies for this true Devon treasure. Happy 104th, Beryl!