Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Great-gran celebrates with a song
Edith Brittain proved 100 is the new 80 by blowing out all her candles in one go.
The great-grandmother-of-eight celebrated her special day with a good old fashioned sing song and a big personalised birthday cake at Barham House, where she’s the first centenarian in three decades.
Always laughing and smiling, Edith’s cheeky sense of humour and indomitable nature have made her a firm favourite at the home where she continues to get up every day and interact with staff and residents.
A lover of food and animals, Edith also enjoys singing and always raises a smile as she loves nothing more than a cheeky flirt.
Granddaughter Cheryl Brittain praised her spirit, saying: “She is a very independent woman, a real diamond.”
Born on Halloween in 1917, Edith grew up in London but moved to Studd Hill, Herne Bay, 60 years ago to live in a bungalow built by her late husband.
There she raised her two children, later finding work as a chef at the University of Kent.
A talented seamstress, she made all her own clothes and much-preferred sewing and knitting to the TV or radio.
Sherialyn Kelly, care manager, said: “In 30 years of working here this is my first 100th so it was such a special day. We were all very excited and so were the staff and residents – they all made her cards and gave her presents.”