It’s Fireworks as Jessie reaches 106

Enfield’s oldest sheltered housing resident, Jessie Budd, turned 106 on Wednesday 5th November, and to celebrate this amazing age staff and residents at Norton Close sheltered housing gave her a special big party.

A cake was baked and decorated, but there was not enough room for 106 candles!

The Mayor of Enfield Cllr Lee Chamberlain, and Mike Culligan, Director of Housing Operations for Enfield Homes, Jessie’s landlord, were both in attendance to help her celebrate.

Jessie said she has always enjoyed life to the full “I was very hand working” she remembers,

“I was a cook in the West End and that kept me very busy, and I met some real characters!”

Born in Grays in Thurrock in 1902, Jessie moved to Enfield when she was seven. She worked in a French restaurant hotel in Old Compton Street in London’s West End where she learned to cook and she cultivated a liking for fine food.

She still prepares some of her own meals and enjoys singing.

Mike Culligan, Director of Housing Operations for Enfield Homes said “Jessie is a real character, to reach 106 is truly amazing!

“Every year the residents of Norton Close all look forward to Jessie’s party, it’s a very important social occasion.

“It was wonderful to see her here on her birthday celebrating with her family and friends.”

This document was last updated on 2008-11-14 10:09:29 published by the Communications team. Document Reference:LBE_133541