Shoreham resident celebrates 100th birthday with a Shetland pony chariot ride

Dot, a much-loved member of the community at Meadowcroft Residential Care Home in Shoreham, has turned 100 — and she celebrated with a miniature Shetland pony chariot ride, a family reunion, a letter from the King, and a cream tea to finish. For a woman who has loved horses all her life, it was a fitting way to mark a century.

The chariot ride

Dot, who has lived at Meadowcroft Residential Care Home in Shoreham for three years, celebrated her 100th birthday on 22 June 2026. She served in the Women's Land Army during the Second World War, where she looked after a cart horse — and that lifelong love of horses has never left her.

To mark the milestone, Meadowcroft's registered manager, Susan Briggs, organised a special outing: a miniature Shetland pony chariot ride with The Little Hoof Company in West Sussex. The ride was originally planned to take place around Shoreham town centre, but with the heatwave on the day it took place closer to the pony's home instead.

Susan drove Dot and all her family in the Meadowcroft minibus to arrive at the farm at 11 o'clock. Dot arrived with a birthday sash and a tiara, and was treated to a delightful little journey — a gentle ride down the lane with her favourite horses.

Family from near and far

Dot's whole family came together for the occasion. Her grandchildren travelled from Somerset and from the United States — a journey of over 3,000 miles — to be in Shoreham to celebrate with her.

Dot's daughter said:

"It's absolutely lovely she's had such a nice time on her 100th birthday. Her grandchildren came all the way to be here – two from the United States and two from Somerset."

One grandson said:

"It's just amazing really – who has a nan who gets to 100? I think nan had a bit of a surprise this morning when she found out about the pony ride, but I think she's absolutely loved today. We're looking forward to celebrating 101 next year."

Another grandson added:

"Obviously nan's worth coming 3,000 miles for. She's 100 today, which is very exciting. We've been talking about how much she's seen – the changes from 1926 to 2026 are just so much. She's having a lovely day and we're excited for the rest of it."

After the chariot ride, Dot's family headed out together for a celebratory lunch.

Dot with her family on her 100th birthday — her grandchildren travelled from Somerset and the United States to be there. Image courtesy of Meadowcroft Residential Care Home.

A letter from the King

When she returned to Meadowcroft, Dot received a letter from King Charles himself, which she excitedly opened with family, residents and the team. The day was rounded off with a cream tea and birthday cake.

A century of memories

Dot was born in Brighton on 22 June 1926 and remains a true Brightonian at heart. She met her husband, Ron, in 1941 — he served as a radar operator during the war — and the couple settled in Brighton together. They shared a love of skiing and caravanning around the UK, and had two children, Brian and Linda.

Before retiring, Dot worked at Vokins, where her passion for sewing was put to good use, and also as a typist for the council. She is also a keen gardener.

Susan Briggs, registered manager at Meadowcroft Residential Care Home, said:

"It's been an honour having Dot live in our care home for the past three years. She has taught our home and our team so much, and we are so happy to see her today with the horses that she loves."

About Meadowcroft Residential Care Home

Meadowcroft is a residential care home in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, operated by SDR Group. Dot has lived there for three years and is one of its most active and sociable residents, always getting involved with everyone around her and very much at the heart of the home's community.

The story and images were kindly provided by the home, with thanks to Gabrielle Devine, Marketing & Communications Manager at SDR Group. The pony chariot ride was provided by The Little Hoof Company in West Sussex.

Published in partnership with Meadowcroft Residential Care Home. Story and images provided by the home.