CARE home resident Elsie Alder celebrated her 100th birthday and said her advice for a long, happy life includes a tipple of brandy or whisky.
The centenarian enjoyed a party with residents and staff at Colonia Court Bupa Care Home, in Colchester, where she has lived since 2016.
Carers decorated the lounge with banners and balloons and the celebrations were accompanied by Elsie’s favourite music, which she loves to sing to, as well as a cake and bouquet of flowers.
To mark the day, Elsie received a visit from her two sons, Rob and Graham, daughter-in-law Diane and niece Maureen Fewtrell.
Elsie was surrounded by her family as she opened her congratulatory card from the Queen.
When asked about celebrating her special milestone, she said: “I’m truly grateful to have celebrated my 100th birthday with my family by my side and I feel so blessed to share this moment with them.
Special centennial - Elsie Alder celebrates her big day at Colonia Court Bupa Care Home, in Colchester
“Over the years at Colonia Court, I’ve felt so loved by the staff and residents and I’d like to thank everyone for making such a fuss and helping me celebrate my special day.”
Elsie spent most of her working life as a seamstress making handbags, using her creative skills from knitting as part of the process.
She was sporty in her younger years, enjoying athletics and netball as her hobbies, and her most memorable moments were when she married husband, Ted, had her two children, and ran a sports and social club in Harold Hill.
Sharing her secret on how to live a long, happy life, Elsie said: “I’d say it’s the occasional cherry brandy or whisky when you go to bed which hasn’t served me too bad at all.”
Colonia Court home manager Pauline Thornton said: “We’re extremely pleased to have been able to help Elsie celebrate her 100th birthday.
“We’re so honoured to have been a part of such an occasion.
“The team here went above and beyond to make it memorable for Elsie and her family, and it’s so rewarding to see them all so happy.”
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