Former Colkirk nanny enjoys 100th birthday at ‘wonderful’ care home

Mrs Bailey recieved a telegram from the Queen, and cards from the council thanking her for her work during the Second World War. Photo: Rachel Hall (Image: Archant)

Eileen Bailey turned 100 on Wednesday, November 15, at Linden Court care home, Watton.

She was joined by her son John Bailey, her seven grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Before she married, Mrs Bailey worked as a nanny in Colkirk. She has lived in Norfolk all her life, and is a self-described 'farm girl'.

She and her husband, Stanley Bailey, had three children, two sons and a daughter, two of whom have now passed away.

She celebrated her 100th birthday on November 15, surrounded by her family. Photo: Rachel Hall (Image: Archant)

After enjoying singing with the other residents in the morning, her family arrived for a surprise party in the afternoon.

They spent a few hours at the home with Mrs Bailey, and enjoyed food and birthday cake.

They helped her open her cards, including one from the Queen.

This was Mrs Bailey's second royal message, as she and her husband received a card from the monarch in recognition of their diamond wedding anniversary in 2000 - after 60 years of marriage.

Mrs Bailey was joined by her son, her seven granchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. Photo: Rachel Hall (Image: Archant)

Mr Bailey worked as a mole catcher at Sandringham, and to thank him for his long service, the couple attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace in 1987.

He later passed away in 2005.

As well as the telegram from the Queen, Mrs Bailey was visited by the Watton mayor and mayoress, councillors Stan and Susan Hebborn, who presented her with a bouquet of flowers and a card.

Councillor Jane Fountain also gave Eileen a card to acknowledge all her work on the land during the Second World War.

She had a birthday cake during her surprise family party. Photo: Rachel Hall (Image: Archant)

Mr Hebborn said, 'I was really pleased to hear of Eileen's milestone and felt honoured to represent the town in wishing her a happy birthday.'

He added: 'Her memories are still very clear.

'She told me with a wry smile that she used to love dancing, but cannot seem to do it much now.'

Mrs Bailey's son, said: 'It was a very special day for all the family.

'Its always nice to get everyone together for a happy occasion.'

He said that, despite living with cancer, Mrs Bailey is taken very good care of at Linden Court, where she has lived since 2015.

She likes to play the National Lottery every week, which she calls her 'Friday weakness'.

She enjoys socialising with other residents and looks forward to his daily visit.

And he always brings her a copy of the EDP, which she reads from cover to cover.