QUEENIE CELEBRATES 100 YEARS

Family and friends celebrated the 100th birthday of Queenie Palmer with a special personal concert by a crooner at the Avalon Nursing Home in Southgate Park, Taunton Road, Bridgwater.

Queenie, who was christened Gwendoline, was a keen gardener and allotment holder and formerly worked in the gardens of the Somerset Farm Institute in Cannington, which was her home for 58 years with her husband Harry.

Born in Culmstock, Devon in April 1917, to parents Sarah and George, she spent most of her childhood in Hemyock, Devon, along with her brother Viv before working as a weaver on a loom.

In the Second World Wear she moved to the Bridgwater area to work in the BDE Factory on war work. Her hobbies included knitting, swimming in the sea and caravanning with her family and friends in the summer.

Lisa Priddice, activities co-ordinator from Avalon Nursing Home, which is operated by Camelot Care, said: “Queenie loves crooner music so there was no better way to celebrate her birthday than with a live performance of some of the music that brings her such pleasure.

“She was delighted to receive her telegram from the Queen.”

Queenie’s daughter Joy Frampton and her husband Mike joined in the celebrations along with grandson Nick.