Former 'Land Girl' Turns 100 in Hereford Care Home

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Monday, 24 July 2023 17:03

A Hereford care home resident has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Born in Beddington, Surrey, on 17th July 1923, Elinor's remarkable life journey includes serving as a Land Girl during the Second World War, becoming a devoted Girl Guide Leader in Beddington, and sharing her culinary expertise as a cookery teacher. As a member of the Women's Land Army during the war, she worked in Epsom, Surrey, recording the yields of cow milk for the local community.

Elinor married Alan Grant in 1944, and had one daughter, Jane, and two granddaughters, Mimi and Alexa. Shortly after the war, Elinor and her husband designed and built a bungalow in Banstead, Surrey, before living in Hampshire and making a final move to Hereford. As a highly creative individual, Elinor eagerly indulges in her passion for painting, however, her love for camping and swimming stems from her loyal membership of the Girl Guides.

The celebrations commenced with a special birthday lunch on 17th July with her family. On 21^st July, Gwen Walford Nursing Home held a joyous party in honour of Elinor's 100-year-milestone, complete with tea, cake and live entertainment. As well as receiving a card from the King and Queen, children from St Thomas' Cantilupe Primary School in Hereford crafted one hundred birthday cards to mark each year of her life. When asked about her secret to a long and fulfilling life, Elinor said: "Exercise is what keeps me going!"