ABOUT 1,000 people joined a community event on an Oxford estate arranged to coincide with a resident’s 100th birthday.

The annual Barton Bash is usually held in either August or November, but organisers made the decision to bring it forward to celebrate Dorothy Pearce’s centenary on Saturday.

And the heavy downpours did not stop the crowds pouring to the Neighbourhood Centre, in Underhill Circus, for the free event, which organisers say attracted hundreds of people. The day included judo demonstrations, dancing, face-painting.

Barton Community Association secretary Sue Holden said: “Because of the weather we did have our apprehensions, but it was absolutely brilliant.”

Visitors also sang Happy Birthday to Ms Pearce, below at the bash. The centenarian, of Stowford Road, has lived in Oxford since the 1940s.

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She said she was surprised the event had been moved for her, adding: “Everyone was so jolly and happy. I enjoyed it very much. I did not know they were doing this just for me. My family have come up from Wales and it was really nice seeing them all. I haven’t seen many of them for a long time.”

Mrs Holden said: “Dorothy is still an active volunteer with us and we had to acknowledge her. It is in honour and celebration of Dorothy.”




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