A TEESSIDE resident who became known as “The Chicken Whisperer” has celebrated her 100th birthday at her care home in Thornaby.
Irene Fleming marked her centenary with three generations of her family at Mandale House Care Home, on Acklam Road, where she has lived since 2017.
During her time at the care home, Irene picked up the nickname “The Chicken Whisperer” after her ability to calm an intake of hens as part of a project to improve the wellbeing of care home residents.
Upon arrival, she built an immediate rapport with the birds by chatting to them and calming them when they were flustered – a skill she learned during her time in the Women’s Land Army during the Second World War.
She worked on a farm at Shincliffe Hall, near Durham, during the war, planting, harvesting and looking after the animals – including the chickens.
She said: “The hens thought I was their mum as they would come when I called them. I would sing to them while I worked and they liked the sound of my voice. The other Land Army girls said I was barmy because I loved the chickens so much.”
While working at the farm, Irene met her husband, Lesley, who was an agricultural student at Houghall College. She said: “I met him by throwing a potato at him for his attention.”
The couple later married in April 1949 at Saint Peter and Saint Paul Church, in South Shields. They have three children, three grandchildren, and three great grandchildren, many of whom gathered at Mandale House Care Home to celebrate her 100th birthday.
The Civic Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees, Councillor Stephen Richardson also attended Irene’s party to pass on his well wishes and a bouquet of flowers.
As well as a card from the King and the Queen Consort, Irene received over 150 birthday cards following an appeal issued by the care home on social media. Among them were handmade cards from pupils at St Patrick’s Primary School, Stockton-on-Tees.
Anita Clarkson, home manager at Mandale House Care Home, said: “We had hoped to get 100 cards to mark Irene’s 100th birthday but we were inundated by those wishing her well on her big day. We want to say a massive thank you to everyone who sent Irene a card – you made her day extra special.”
Asked her secret to a long life during the celebrations, Irene said: “A whisky at night, dancing, walking, holidays, swimming, and being a very positive mother.”