104-year-old care home resident shares the secret to a long life.

 

A resident at a care home in Ashford has celebrated her 104^th birthday with a special celebration.

The team at Care UK’s Montfort Manor, on Kennington Road, pulled out all the stops for Jimmie Ellis who turned 104 years ‘young’ on 3^rd November. The home was decorated with balloons and banners and the home’s Head Chef made a special birthday cake, which she enjoyed surrounded by her family and friends.

Commenting on her secret to a long and happy life, Jimmie said: “Live a quiet life and meet the right person.”

Jimmie was born in Arlington, Sussex, in 1920 and grew up with nine siblings. During World War Two, Jimmie joined the Women’s Land Army and was posted in Lewes, Brighton. While serving in the Land Army, she met her husband Douglas in the army canteen, and they quickly hit it off.

Douglas was serving in the Royal Artillery Army and had to be granted a special license to be able to get married. The couple secured the licence and got married in a church in Lewes in 1942, just before Douglas was transferred to Italy to support their army during World War Two.

Douglas was later commissioned to Austria which saw the couple separated for four years. Keen to stay in touch as much as possible, Jimmie wrote letters to Douglas three times a week, while continuing to work on the land. When Douglas returned home, Jimmie greeted him at Brighton Station and said they “picked up where they left off”. The pair moved to Battle, Sussex, and Douglas worked as a headteacher for over 40 years while Jimmie raised their two children and continued her passion for gardening in her cottage garden.

Joanne Eaton, Home Manager at Montfort Manor, said: “Jimmie is a much-loved resident at Montfort Manor, and it was fantastic to help her celebrate this incredible milestone with her friends and family.

“Here at Montfort Manor, we are committed to helping residents live active and fulfilling lives, so we love to celebrate important milestones – and Jimmie’s 104^th birthday is no exception. It was lovely to raise a glass together on her special day with her extended family here at Montfort Manor. Happy birthday Jimmie!”