Three birthday girls turning 100 remain unfazed by combined 300 years on earth

Nora Harrad, Gladys Townsend and Cecily Day who all live at Caldwell Grange Care Home have been sharing a joke over their combined ages but remain unfazed by the fact they are reaching the age of 100 together.

The ladies celebrate their birthdays within weeks of each other, with the oldest Cecily Day becoming a centenarian on 22 July, Nora Harrad turning triple figures the next day on 23 July and Gladys Townsend receiving a birthday greeting from the Queen on 22 August.

Deputy manager at Caldwell Grange, Erica Walters said: “They are such lovely ladies. Very chatty, always up for a laugh and a joke.

“The care workers can tell you they have such stories to tell. It’s great for all residents to celebrate the birthdays.

"The staff are excited too. It’s good to see the home’s residents reaching such a long life.”

While staff say the ladies are taking the birthday news in their stride, care workers are scheduled to throw a party for them with all residents invited on Sunday 23 July. But the festivities will most likely continue into August to celebrate the youngest of the three Gladys’ big day.

Great-great grandmothers

Nora and Gladys have between them 28 great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.

Nora Harrad has four children, seven grandchildren, 11 eleven great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren, while Gladys Townsend has four children, 12 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Caldwell Grange care home in Nuneaton, Warwickshire is owned by Runwood Homes. The care home run by Samantha Chater was rated ‘good’ by the Care Quality Commission in November 2016.

While some have suggested lots of knitting and hard work is their secret, Erica Walters said: “I couldn’t tell you what the secret to their long lives is. But it’s great for staff to see them reach such a milestone.”