Hilda Jackson, a lively 105-year-old from Derbyshire, celebrated her milestone birthday with an unforgettable rave at her care home, complete with strobe lights, glow sticks, and a headline DJ who has graced major UK festivals.
Sipping champagne and enjoying cocktails from a pop-up bar, Hilda’s birthday bash was far from your typical senior celebration. It was an all-out rave – a testament to her vibrant spirit and love for life.
“I’ve had a wonderful time,” Hilda shared, beaming and sporting UV paint on her face. “The people here are wonderful, and I think we’ve had a really good time. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it, and that’s everything.”
Living at Holbrook Hall residential home near Belper for the past two and a half years, Hilda was born in nearby Ripley, where she spent her childhood, attended school, and married her late husband, Walter. Over the years, Hilda worked at the police headquarters, in hospitality doing silver service, and even at a factory during World War II, ironing uniforms. But when she wasn’t working, she found joy in spontaneous road trips with friends.
“We used to travel a lot, go to different places, which I loved,” she reminisced. “We’d drive around, spend the day, have a meal somewhere—we didn’t plan it, we’d just decide on the spot.”
Though she never expected to reach the grand age of 105, Hilda is thrilled with her long life. “I’m very pleased I have, because I don’t feel any different than when I was 100,” she said with a smile.
As for her secret to longevity, Hilda credits her good health and a lifelong love of dancing. “I’ve been lucky with my health, and that’s very important,” she explained. “I’ve not abused myself. I love a drink, but that’s it. I also love ballroom dancing. I still go twice a week, and I’m still dancing.”
Hilda’s favourite dance move remains the jive, though she admits age has caught up with her. “I’m not as quick as I used to be, but I still love getting on the floor and having a little twirl,” she laughed.
One of the highlights of her rave was the opportunity to “have a bit of a jig,” and true to form, when she entered the room after media interviews, she headed straight for the dancefloor.
Claire Allen, the care home’s activity coordinator, expressed her excitement at the party’s success. “Jägermeister helped by bringing in a renowned DJ, and we also had a rapper who’s won Mobo awards. Honestly, I’m amazed and thrilled for Hilda. She’s such a deserving person, and we try to make everyone’s dreams come true here.”
The Nottingham-based rapper, Bru-C, known for his performances at major festivals like Reading and Leeds, got the residents moving to drum and bass. After hearing about the party on local radio, he joined in, bringing a lively atmosphere to the event. “That was epic,” Bru-C said. “It’s always the same vibe when the crowd’s into it, and I think Hilda’s a certified drum’n’bass raver now.”
Hilda’s nephew, David Durow, 81, a retired psychologist, said when he heard about his aunt’s wish for a rave, he knew it was a perfect fit for her. “I didn’t expect anything like this,” he said, clearly in awe of the event. “It’s absolutely wonderful. This party could add another 10 years to everyone’s life!”
As for Hilda’s advice to younger generations, she offers a simple yet powerful message: “Just keep on enjoying life while you can. Don’t give up. I’m not prepared to give up.”
Hilda Jackson’s 105th birthday rave is a testament to living life to the fullest and embracing every moment, no matter your age.
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