Birthday celebrations for Alice as she turns 104-years-old

Alice Atkinson, a resident at the North Warren Care Home in Gainsborough, is wished happy birthday from her daughter Celia Rowe and activities and Events co-ordinator, Kerry Baines on Saturday.

Born on April 3, 1912, Edith Atkinson, known to her family and friends as Alice, was one of three siblings.

Alice didn’t really have chance to get to know her mum as she passed away when Alice was very young and she also lost one of her sisters so she grew up in a small family with her sister Nora and her father.

Born and bred in Gainsborough Alice spent a lot of time with her grandma and her aunt.

She also has links to Marshall’s as some of her family worked in the munitions factory.

Alice went to Lea Road School and she then went on to work at WHSmith’s in Gainsborough until she was 18 and then she decided to work at Marshall’s.

She then met her husband Clarence, known as Clarry, and she became a housewife.

Alice and Clarence had one daughter, Celia.

Alice kept herself busy within the community and volunteered regularly for Oxfam and Gainsborough House.

Sadly Alice lost her sight but she used to enjoyed reading, baking and bingo.

A love of music and dance has never left Alice, however dancing isn’t something that she practices much these days. Retford Town Hall dances hold a few memories for Alice.

Alice has lived at North Warren Care Home for two years and sees a constant flows of visitors from her two grandchildren, three great grandchildren and one great grandchild as well as the many friends she has made over the years.

Alice considers her greatest achievement her family.

Activity and Events coordinator at North Warren House, Kerry Baines, said: “Her birthday was proof of this.

“She described her day to me as quiet but she couldn’t have asked for more after a very busy hectic day before at the Spring Fair at North Warren House.

“Her day began on with a phone call from New Zealand from her grandson followed by a visit from another grandchild, then lunch at North Warren with Celia and another visit later in the afternoon for cake. She said it was a steady day.”

Alice also had a visit from her great-great grandaughter.

Celia said: “I consider myself very lucky to have such a wonderful mum, and I am blessed to still be able to spend time chatting with her and taking the odd trip, I love her to pieces.”

Kerry added: “Everyone here at North Warren loves Alice who has been affectionately nicknamed Queeny by the owner Noreen.

“Bingo on a Monday afternoon isn’t the same without Alice casting a listening ear over proceedings and making sure the numbers are heard by everyone.”