‘Heart of the home’ Elsie Griggs celebrates 100th birthday at The Bancroft Long Sutton
Readers have helped make a 100th birthday celebration special by sending cards to a care home resident.
Elsie Griggs celebrated her milestone birthday this week at The Bancroft of Long Sutton retirement with family and staff, receiving more than 40 cards — and more still to count.
The centenarian who staff describe as ‘the heart of the home’ was treated to two birthday cakes and wore a crown and sash on the big day.
Singer Sandra Whatling, who runs Music For All in Long Sutton, entertained with songs from the era and sang Ain’t She Sweet, one of the most popular tunes during the roaring twenties.
She said: “We had a wonderful time.
“We danced, sang and had cake.
“Elsie was a picture in her crown and sash.”
Born a year before Queen Elizabeth II on April 22, 1925, Elsie has lived at the home for a year after living independently in her Holbeach bungalow until the age of 98.
Elsie is well known for her love of music and dance at the care home owned by Debbie Richardson.
Sandra added: “Her feet were tapping and she was singing.
“She is marvellous.
“It was just lovely.”
Born in Holbeach to parents Mabel and Joseph, Elsie lived in Moulton Seas End and met her future husband Clifford when she was 14 and had left school.
When Clifford returned from the war the pair got married, eventually setting up their own bakery in Nottingham.
Elsie has two children, her son Martyn and daughter Maxine who has sadly died.
Although her sight is poor Elsie loves living at the home and getting involved with activities.
She had a dog called Toby and enjoys the company of the care home’s dog Arnie - and also liked Queen Elizabeth II and Winston Churchill.
Elsie said: “I thought the Queen was lovely.
“I was 14 when the Second World War started.
“Winston Churchill was a good old man.”
Care home staff clearly adore Elsie and describe her as the heart of the home.
Owner Debbie Richardson said: “Elsie is an absolute delight to care for.
“She loves Elvis Presley and she is a right little raver.
“She is absolutely gorgeous.”
Visitors on Elsie’s birthday enjoyed Prosecco and cake as Elsie blew out her candles.
