SOUTH Essex’s oldest resident has celebrated her 108th birthday – insisting not having children and a glass of Cinzano and lemonade are the secret to a long life.
Violet Shipp marked the occasion with a party at the Elizabeth House care home, in Benfleet, on Friday.
The care home claims that the momentous milestone makes her the oldest living resident in Essex.
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A celebration was held at the care home on Friday afternoon with a variety of “cockney-style” songs by singer Stevie Brown.
Schoolchildren also got involved with King John School and Seevic College delivering special birthday cards, and a visit from the children at the nursery Sandcastles.
Jokingly, she said not having children was her secret to success and that she felt “terrible” turning 108.
Violet said: “It has been a lovely day, I loved it.
“To turn 108 feels terrible. I never thought I would ever get to this age, but I am just taking each day as it comes.
“My secret to a long life would have to be Cinzano and lemonade, always working and keeping myself busy, and enjoying time with my family and friends.
“And no children!”
Violet was born on March 3, 1915, in Blackfriars London. She was one of five children, before moving to the Peabody buildings in Herne Hill.
Violet also worked for the civil service for many years at Elephant and Castle in Lambeth, as well as working for Phillips during the war to help make valves for planes.
Then in 1978, Violet and her husband moved to Essex, spending their retirement in Benfleet.
Recalling her fondest memories, Violet said: “Family meals with my parents, two brothers and sister, where we all used to enjoy rabbit pie and cabbage at the dinner table”.
Ade Makinde, home manager for Elizabeth House, added: “We are so happy to have celebrated such a momentous occasion at Elizabeth House care home and this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience with Violet.
“The team have worked incredibly hard to organise entertainers, food and decorations, as well as cards from the local schools, colleges, and nurseries.
“I cannot thank them enough for all their work and for giving Violet such a memorable experience at Elizabeth House.”
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