By Isle of Wight Observer
More than 100 guests gathered on Sunday afternoon to celebrate the 95th birthday of former High Sheriff and custodian of Shanklin Chine, Ann Springman.
The celebrations were held in the garden of her home in Bembridge. Marquees erected to protect guests from inclement weather instead sheltered friends, family, and neighbours from the sun. Guests included many friends Ann made during her tenure as High Sheriff in 2002/03, including former MP, Andrew Turner, and Lord-Lieutenant
Major-General Sir Martin White and his wife, Fiona, Lady White. Sir Martin served as the Island’s Lord-Lieutenant while Ann was in office. Current Lord-Lieutenant, Susie Sheldon, was also in attendance as was the immediate past High Sheriff, Jacque Gazzard.
Jacque said: “It was a wonderful afternoon and a terrific celebration of Ann’s wide interests. She’s got such a wide and varied group of friends.
“She is still a very vibrant and active member of our Island community.”
Following a delicious lunch, a giant Pavlova was unveiled in place of a traditional birthday cake. Made with 8kg (17lb 9oz) of icing sugar and the whites of 120 eggs, it was smothered in strawberries and blueberries. Ann’s first cut into the showstopping dessert was accompanied by a rousing chorus of Happy Birthday.
Mal Butler