Bubbly Bubbly Violet Shipp has celebrated her 107th birthday and puts her incredible age down to - Cinzano and Lemonade.
The centenarian, born during the First World War, marked the special occasion with a glass of her favourite drink as she was joined by friends at her Essex care home.
The former civil servant revealed she does not feel her incredible age and admitted she’d rather be living an independent life at home if she could.
The celebrations marked the end of a busy week for the perky pensioner who attended a special service attended by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall as Southend was officially granted city status at a celebration of the life of Sir David Amess.
Violet, who was one of five children, said: “I was telling the girls here yesterday that I only feel 70. “I do love a Cinzano and lemonade, I like the sweetness as I definitely have a sweet tooth.
“I think it helps keep me young.
“Unfortunately I don’t have it every day but it’s nice as a treat. I used to enjoy a hot toddy too.” Violet has a passion for horse racing and used to be a regular at Fontwell racecourse in West Sussex with her late husband Benjamin, who she was married to for 40 years.
Staff at Elizabeth House care home in Benfleet have organised a trip to Chelmsford Racecourse for the residents and Violet will be joining them trackside.
“I do like to have a bet on the horses, nothing too much but it makes it all a bit of fun. I love all horse racing, especially the national hunt and the meetings at Cheltenham and the Grand National,” she added.
Violet, born in London when King George V was king, received another birthday card from The Queen, her fourth one, to add to those she was sent on her 100th, 105th and 106th birthdays.
Violet was born in London in 1915, sister to George, Lilian, Sidney and Peter and grew up up in Blackfriars before moving to Herne Hill .
She eventually moved to Orpington, Kent, and then Bognor Regis, West Sussex, before she she ended up in Benfleet about 40 years ago.
During the Second World War she helped to make valves for Phillips.
Violet, who does not have any children, has also been in a choir, singing popular and gospel music and she still enjoys singing and dancing especially to the wartime music of the 1930s.
Alex Sanders, deputy manager at Elizabeth House, revealed Violet is an inspiration to residents and staff alike.
“She really is lovely - I’ve never known anyone this old.
“It’s also amazing how agile she still. We have five residents who turn 100 this year, so they’re doing really well.”
