Classic FM presenters Alexander Armstrong and Dan Walker pay on-air dedication to Newcastle 100 year old

Beryl with her many birthday cards
-Credit: (Image: Fleming Court Care Home)


A Newcastle care home resident celebrated her 100th birthday last week with a special message from radio station Classic FM and North East presenter Alexander Armstrong.

Beryl Hewitt, who moved to Newcastle in 2016 to be nearer her son and daughter-in-law, turned 100 last Thursday (September, 5) and back in July, Fleming Court Care Home appealed for as many cards as possible from around the world to celebrate the milestone.

A care home spokeswoman had previously told ChronicleLive: "Beryl is the definition of social butterfly; she loves to join in activities in the home and go out on our minibus trips but must have her hair and nails done so she looks her best. Beryl likes to lie on her bed listening to Classic FM on her radio to relax."

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On her birthday, Beryl was treated to entertainment from singer Alex Hall alongside her fellow residents and immediate family. Staff at Fleming Court Care Home ensured the day was monumental with a new outfit, hair nails and makeup done. Following the appeal for birthday cards, a spokeswoman for the care home said: "Beryl received cards from Canada, France and Dundee as well as the entire staffing at Newcastle Nuffield hospital who hand delivered them with a floral hatbox."

Upon seeing the original story in July, John Chittenden, who looks after PR for radio station Classic FM, got in touch with ChronicleLive and was delighted to read that Beryl is a listener to the radio station.

He added: "Because of your story, we’ve sent Beryl a birthday card for tomorrow, signed by many of our presenters, including Alexander Armstrong, Dan Walker, Myleene Klass and Aled Jones. Alexander Armstrong, who presents our weekday 10am-1pm programme, is going to give her a special dedication on air and will send her a video message too."

Classic FM presenter Alexander Armstrong with Beryl's 100th birthday card
Classic FM presenter Alexander Armstrong with Beryl's 100th birthday card -Credit:Classic FM

Alexander Armstrong, who was born in Rothbury, Northumberland, read out the following dedication to Beryl on her birthday: “Today is a very big day for an extremely special Classic FM listener. Thanks to the Newcastle Chronicle, I have learned that Beryl Hewitt of Newcastle, is celebrating a huge milestone birthday.

"Beryl is turning 100 today. Now, Beryl, I know you love listening to Classic FM. I also happen to know that you're a bit of a social butterfly, so I'm hoping you're not too busy gadding about to hear this. But above all, I hope you're having a very, very special day and that you are enjoying it. From the entire Classic FM family, we wish you a very, very happy 100th birthday. We sent you a birthday card signed by us all, and I hope that's arrived and that you enjoy reading it. Beryl, you put the lass into Classic FM, have a wonderful, wonderful day.”

A song was dedicated too for Beryl, which she chose with her son Steven after chatting to the homes Wellbeing Coordinator Lisa Wood. Upon hearing the song, Beryl said: "They've played a song for me on my birthday."

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And Classic FM Breakfast presenter Dan Walker also read out a dedication earlier in the day: "I mentioned a few moments ago, we’d be bringing back the 100 Club, and it is in honour of the magnificent Beryl in Newcastle, who turns 100 today. She is apparently a quote from one of her friends, the definition of a social butterfly. She loves to join in activities at Fleming Court Care Home and goes out to get her hair and her nails done so she looks her best. She also loves listening to Classic FM. Well Beryl, a massive Happy Birthday. Have a brilliant day, I hope you're being spoilt rotten, and welcome to the Classic FM 100 Club.”