February 22, 2016 9.20 am This story is over 97 months old

Lincoln woman ‘overwhelmed’ by surprise 100th birthday celebrations

Landmark birthday: A Lincoln woman has celebrated her 100th birthday in style, with a surprise party and congratulations from the Queen.

A Lincoln woman has celebrated her 100th birthday in style, with a surprise party and congratulations from the Queen.

Elsie Horsewood was given a birthday tea and cake with her fellow residents at Boultham Park House on Rookery Lane.

Past and present Lincoln City FC players presented Elsie with a shirt to mark her milestone, and Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Andrew Kerry, visited the residential home on Friday, February 19 as part of the celebrations.

Elsie also received telegrams from the Queen and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Iain Duncan Smith, complimenting her on her centenary.

A long-suffering Imps’ fan, Elsie told assistant manager Grant Brown, current goalkeeper Paul Farman, defender Lee Beevers and former boss John Schofield about her experiences of going down to Sincil Bank in the past.

Elsie Horsewood, with Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Andrew Kerry. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Elsie Horsewood, with Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Andrew Kerry. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Born and bred in Lincoln, Elsie attended South Park High School, and was married to her husband Ron for over 50 years.

Elsie was a chemist at Boots for nine years, and also ran a grocery shop and Hykeham Road post office.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Jo Johnson, Head of Care at the home, said: “Elsie was totally overwhelmed and we made sure that she was our queen for the day from the minute she woke up to the minute she went to bed.

“Friends and family came in throughout the day and we also got her a tiara and life-sized photo of herself.

“She was so appreciative and it was such a memorable day. What’s more remarkable is, she was the first up the following morning, when everyone else was still sleeping!”