Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court resident celebrates 100th birthday

A resident at Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court in Braintree, Essex, has celebrated her 100^th birthday.

To mark the special milestone, Nada enjoyed a small family gathering and was presented with flowers, a cake and a card from the Queen. She also enjoyed a coffee morning with fellow residents, and shared her life story along with pictures.

Nada was born on 24 July 1921 and was one of three children. She attended school in Woodford before passing a scholarship to Walthamstow Commercial School.  Aged seven, Nada became a Brownie, which was the beginning of a lifelong involvement and passion in Guiding. She later went onto run a Guide Group as well as becoming the District Commissioner.

Nada met her husband Richard at Scouts when they were teenagers. During the war, Richard was sent to Burma to serve in the Royal Engineers for four years. Meanwhile, Nada was working at the docks for the Royal Army Corps. They married upon Richard’s return in 1945. They had three children and today, Nada has 19 grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Nada’s husband was Welsh and the family maintained strong connections with Wales, holidaying there often. Nada’s hobbies also included painting, kilning porcelain and reading. She maintained an active role in her church.

When asked about her secret to a long and healthy life, Nada says her love of Guiding and being surrounded by young children has helped to keep her young at heart. Her greatest love is her family and she has a strong relationship with them, which Nada puts down to the kind mother she had.

Activities Coordinator, Annette Price, said:

Nada is a kind, calm, friendly and loving person to have around Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court. We were honoured to mark this celebrate milestone with such a remarkable woman.