Resident celebrates her 100th birthday at Colne View

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Aug 10, 2018

A life-long supporter of the Red Cross has recently celebrated her 100th birthday at Colne View

Birthday celebrations were in full swing at Colne View when resident Gertrude Nellie Elizabeth Hall (known as Nell) celebrated her centenary.  

Nell recently turned 100 years ‘young’, and when asked about the secret to a long life, she revealed that ‘there is no secret, it is just your destiny’. 

Nell was born just before the end of the First World War, on 14thJune 1918 in Stansted, and moved to Rickling when she was three years old. She enjoyed all her lessons at school, especially history and was also fond of sport and country dancing. Aged 15, Nell left school to become a domestic to a consultant in London but had to return home shortly after moving as her mother needed help looking after Nell’s father and younger siblings. 

During the Second World War, Nell was required to work in a factory in Stansted. It was here that she met her husband, Edward (Ted), whom she went on to start her own family with. 

Nell was a member of The British Red Cross for much of her life. She joined as a junior aged just 12, and later became a nurse - she was always involved in blood donations and flag selling.

Nell has many hobbies and has always been a keen gardener and loved to sew and knit, she was also a WI member. 

Moving to Colne View in January 2017, Nell continues to enjoy creative activities, including pottery. Nell says she has loved all of her life and has no favourite decade. 

Kim Richardson, customer relations manager at Colne View, said: “Nell’s life is truly inspirational; she has always been so caring, and has put other people’s needs before her own. Her contribution to The British Red Cross is very commendable – she has offered a lot of support to them, in order to help others. 

“Turning 100 is an incredible milestone, and it was wonderful to host a special party for Nell. It was a lovely day and the birthday girl really seemed to really enjoy herself!”