A 100-year-old pensioner has welcomed her great-great-granddaughter into the world - the first girl born into the family for 75 years.
Gwen Smith met little Maeva for the first time - the first female born to the Smiths since her daughter Sandra was born in 1947.
Five generations of the family were able to get together at the Dene Holm Residential Care Home in Northfleet, Kent, as the oldest and youngest members could be united for the first time.
Gwen, who will turn 101 next month, already has five grandsons, eight great-grandsons and six step great-grandsons and she was extremely proud to meet the newest addition to the family.
Unfortunately, her cataracts mean she can no longer see very well but she was still tremendously happy to meet Maeva.
Gwen’s family said: “It was a very special occasion to get all five generations together, particularly during the pandemic. Strict protocols are still in place but the home’s manager, Chris, permitted the visit for which we are all extremely grateful.”
Gwen was born in Essex on 28th February 1921, she moved to Gravesend as a youngster and went to school in Northfleet.
A keen dancer in her youth, she performed at many local events while working her father’s shop.
Gwen met her husband, Ron, an apprentice electrician at Blue Circle Cement Works, when she was 16.
They married in 1940 but with Ron sent to serve overseas with the Royal Engineers, they didn’t meet again for another five years.
When they were finally reunited, the pair enjoyed many years of travelling whilst bringing up their two daughters, Gloria and Sandra.
A care home spokesman said: "It can be difficult to get several generations of family together at the best of times but with an ongoing pandemic, it’s even trickier.
"But thanks to the staff at the Dene Holm Road care home, Gwen’s family were able to come and visit her together, to introduce her to baby Maeva.
"It was a very rare occasion and indeed, incredibly special for the whole family, particularly as little Maeva is the first girl to be born to the family since Gwen’s daughter, Sandra, 75 years ago."
