Knebworth resident raises glass to milestone birthday

A resident at a Knebworth care home has celebrated her 103rd birthday with a special tasting session.

Team members at Care UK’s Knebworth care home, on London Road in Woolmer Green, organised two birthday celebrations for Ellen Coulson, including an afternoon in honour of her favourite drink – gin and tonic. 

During the tasting session, Ellen sampled a variety of gins and declared the Haysmith’s raspberry and redcurrant pink gin her favourite.

On the big day itself, Ellen partied with family members including daughter Helen, son-in-law Ian, son Mick, daughter-in-law Lynn and grandson Jimmy over cake before heading out for a special lunch surrounded by loved ones.

Reflecting on her birthday celebrations, Ellen said: “There were 11 family members at my birthday lunch with me, and it was so lovely they took the time for me.

“We’re a very close family and I always enjoy big family gatherings.”

Ellen was born and lived in Newcastle-upon-Tyne until the age of 38, before moving to Cheshunt and later settling in Knebworth.

During the second world war, Ellen served in the Women’s Royal Air Force in Norfolk as a telephonist. After the war, she worked as a typist in a steelworks before becoming a full-time mother to four children with her husband, Dave.

Now surrounded by a growing family of eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, Ellen says the secret to a long and happy life is simple.

“Making the effort to get up and enjoy the day, and having a great family!” she said.

Over the years, Ellen has enjoyed hobbies including cycling and walking, and today she enjoys watching soaps and listening to jazz and Frank Sinatra.

Daniel Grab, Home Manager at Knebworth care home, said: “Ellen is such a cherished member of life here and we were delighted to celebrate her 103rd birthday with her.

“The gin tasting was a brilliant way to mark the occasion, especially as gin and tonic is Ellen’s favourite tipple. Seeing her surrounded by family and friends across both celebrations was incredibly special – she truly deserves it.”

Knebworth is a state-of-the-art care home that provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. It incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies, and includes its own hair and beauty salon, pub and café.