A great-great-grandmother from Hollesley was the star of the show this week, with five generations of her family arriving to help her celebrate her 100th birthday.
On Tuesday, Freda Baker’s family arrived at Glebe House care home, ready to help her celebrate in style.
The 100-year-old was tickled pink to see so many of her relatives in one place, with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even her great-great-grandchildren in attendance.
“It was lovely to see my family and friends gathered together, especially the little ones,” said Mrs Baker. “I really enjoyed all the attention!”
Mrs Baker was born in Alderton in 1924, the eldest four daughters. When their father Fredric died and their mother Rosa had to work to support the family, 11-year-old Freda had to grow up fast, and became like a second mum to her younger siblings.
At 18, Freda married Reg during the Second World War, and they had four children together, Joan, Robert, Leslie, and Stephen.
Throughout the war Freda worked at an ammunitions factory. Later, she worked as a housekeeper at Wood Hall, where Reg worked as a chauffeur.
Shortly after their youngest child Stephen was born, the family moved to Hollesley.
Stephen said: “Dad worked on the buses and later as a driver at the prison. Mum was a hard worker too, she worked in a local shop, and during harvest time she worked in the fields, often with me next to her in my pram or strapped to her back.
“Mum and dad were both well-known members of the community, especially as mum’s skills were so sought after. She was a skilful seamstress and hairdresser, in fact she was still riding her push bike around the village in her 90s, off to do someone’s hair.
“Mum was a founder member of the Hollesley WI and could always be found in the kitchen at village fetes, making tea and serving her homemade cakes and pastries.”
Freda and Reg were married for 39 years, until Reg died from cancer. The couple sadly also lost their two eldest children, Joan, and Robert.
Hazel, Freda’s daughter-in-law, added: “Being a nanny to her six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren has provided a lot of joy for Mum.
“She has always been on hand to help with childcare and would visit every Saturday with what the kids called ‘Nanny’s love basket’ stuffed with homemade pastries and cakes of every kind.
“To be celebrating 100 years of this wonderful lady is an absolute privilege!”
To celebrate Freda’s 100th birthday, the team at the care home helped to organise a family party for Freda, which they hosted in the gazebo at Glebe House.
Jane Barlow, activities coordinator at the care home located on Rectory Road, said: “Freda is a lovely lady, and we are thrilled to be able to contribute to making her special birthday an occasion to remember. “
“Our chef baked a special birthday cake, and we decorated the gazebo with balloons, banners, and flowers.”
When asked the secret to living a long and happy life, Freda replied: “Being friendly and getting along with people.”
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