FELIXSTOWE: There must be something in the water! A care home in Felixstowe has welcomed a new member to its exclusive club – with the only condition that you have lived 100 years.

FELIXSTOWE: There must be something in the water!

A care home in Felixstowe has welcomed a new member to its exclusive club – with the only condition that you have lived 100 years.

Freda Jones celebrated her milestone birthday with her family and friends at Maynell House yesterday, making her the fourth centenarian there.

Avis Kent, who turned 100 last month, Elsie Durrant who will turn 101 on April 27 and Marjorie Butler, who turned 100 in December, all joined in the celebrations as Freda made the trio of centenarian pals a quartet.

“We’re getting quite used to it now,” said Esther Taylor, manager of Maynell and Foxgrove Care homes.

“I think it’s brilliant and what I think is amazing is how well they look. They have still got quality of life and that’s so nice to see.

“It’s just a lot of love – it gives them a desire to carry on.

“It must be quite traumatic coming into a care home. So to find when you actually get there that people actually care and are bothered about you makes a big difference.”

Freda, who was born in Pontnewydd, Wales, on April 5, 1912, was a teacher by trade and taught across the country. During the Second World War she taught in Liverpool and read books to youngsters in the air raid shelters.

She had two children, Chris and Graham, and she moved to Felixstowe around 20 years ago after her husband, Wally, died. She only moved into Maynell four years ago.

“She is a very strong willed character,” said Chris, 63. “I think that’s maybe why she lived so long.”

“She is a very caring lady, very firm and very loving. To see that group of ladies (centenarians) is just mind blowing.”

Freda, who has four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, had a simple recipe for a long and happy life. She added: “I have had plenty of troubles and I have had to get over them and not let them get on top of me. Religion as well, the Lord has helped me.”

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