The Bancroft of Long Sutton appeals for readers to send birthday cards to ‘heart of home’ Elsie who turns 100
Care home staff are appealing for cards to be sent to a resident who turns 100 this month - describing her as ‘the heart of the home.’
Elsie Mabel Griggs, 99, will be celebrating her centenary at The Bancroft of Long Sutton with celebrations planned on Wednesday, April 23.
Born a year before Queen Elizabeth II on April 22, 1925, Elsie has lived at the home for a year after living independently until the age of 98.
Elsie said: “I didn’t realise I was 100 and I thought it was next year
“That’s what it is like when you are as old as me.
“I can’t do a lot because I can’t see but I love knitting - I have knitted practically everything.”
Elsie knitted her smart red cardigan she was wearing and feels that getting an early night is one of the secrets to her long life.
A love of music and dancing, only drinking on special occasions and not smoking are the others - although there are a couple of things she is not keen on.
She said: “I don’t like onions.
“And I am not a gad about.”
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 said: “We had a bake house, shop and living quarters.
“We baked everything as well as bread.
“We baked buns and sold them for a penny to children so that they had something to eat before school.”
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 said: “They treat me properly.
“I can’t do a lot because I can’t see.
“I used to play tennis when I was at school.”
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.”
Readers are welcomed to send cards c/o Debbie Richardson, The Bancroft retirement home, 50 Market St, Long Sutton, Spalding PE12 9DF
