Gladys celebrates 104th birthday in Skegness

Gladys Waite is one of the oldest residents in Skegness and marked her landmark birthday with family and friends at Westcotes Residential Care Home on Monday.

Born on February 15, 1912, Gladys was born into a Bratoft farming family, moving to Sloothby when she was 12 years old.

When she married her late husband, Fred, she continued working on the farm as well as being mum to seven children.

But she has always had a love of the written word and music, which she inherited from her mother, Alice Garlant.

She said: “My mother taught me my notes. I went to music lesson swhen I was eight years old and played at the Embassy Theatre twice.”

When she retired to Burgh-le-Marsh she ran a girls’ choir, as well as playing for the Methodist Church.

Gladys remained independent until five years ago when she moved to the nursing home, where enjoys doing crosswords with her friends.

Her secret to living to such a grand age? She said: “Healthy food and nothing out of a packet – and lots of fresh air.”