Violet, a resident of Hatfield Nursing Home who worked in wartime censorship during the Second World War, celebrated her 110th birthday at the home on Saturday 17 October.

She was born on 17 October 1916 and has lived at the home for eight years. The home, which is part of the Gold Care Homes group, says the day was spent with her family, friends, fellow residents and staff.

Checking letters in the war, then the Blitz

Violet grew up in Winchmore Hill in North London. During the Second World War, according to the home, she worked in censorship, checking correspondence for sensitive information, and later worked in London during the Blitz.

After the war she and her husband settled in Potters Bar, where they brought up their two children, Rosemarie and Peter. Her husband worked in the printing industry and later took a night shift job on Fleet Street, while Violet spent much of her time on family life. The family later moved to Little Heath, near Potters Bar.

Peter remembers his mother’s Sunday lunches:

“Mum would make Sunday lunches from scratch every week when we were growing up and would give me and Rosemarie the rice pudding to taste-test every time.”

Violet also has two sisters, now aged 101 and 97.

Balloons, a song and a card from the palace

The home was decorated with balloons marking her 110 years, along with flowers, cards and gifts. There was a birthday cake and a personalised birthday song, and messages from her family, residents, visitors and staff were put up on a display board.

Among her cards was a message from King Charles III and Queen Camilla marking the birthday.

Mary Anestine, clinical lead at Hatfield Nursing Home, said:

“Violet is a lovely lady who enjoys visits from her family and spending time chatting with the team. She particularly enjoys a good cup of coffee!”

“Reaching 110 is such a special milestone, and we’re so pleased to have celebrated it with Violet and her family. It’s lovely to see everyone come together to mark such an important birthday.”

As of today, Violet is the 12th OLP in the UK.

Happy 110th Birthday!