A SECOND World War RAF veteran who served at the base where the first ever Lancaster Bomber took off is about to celebrate her first Christmas as a centenarian.

Staff at Acorn Meadow care home in Lostock Gralam helped Elsie Berry mark her 100th birthday on Monday, November 27, with a party attended by fellow residents, close family, and friends.

Acorn Meadow's regular entertainer, Les Martin, who just happens to be Elsie’s son, performed songs from some of her favour artists, including Barry White and Marvin Gaye, backed up by lifelong family friend and fellow entertainer, Steve Carroll.

Les, aka Martin Berry, wrote to Buckingham Palace to tell them his mum was turning 100, and the King and Queen wrote back with a birthday card, which Les presented to her at the party. 

"I’m very lucky to still have my mum at 100,” said Martin.

“Just think about all that’s changed over the last century. Horses and carts were the main form of transport in Northwich when she was a girl.”

Northwich Guardian: Elsie Berry, who's about the celebrate her 100th Christmas, served in the RAF during World War IIElsie Berry, who's about the celebrate her 100th Christmas, served in the RAF during World War II (Image: Sophie Sidebotham)

Elsie was born in Rudheath in 1923, then went into service for a local farming family age 15, where she had just a day-and-a-half off every fortnight.

When war broke out in 1939, Elsie signed up for the air force, serving at RAF Huntingdon, Whitton, Brize Norton, and Ringway, where the first ever Lancaster Bomber prototype took off on January 9, 1941.

“Those were the best years of her life,” Martin added.

“Though there were sad times too. She worked in the kitchens, and she's told me about times she served breakfast to airmen she’d got to know who didn't return for dinner.”

Elsie was demobbed in 1947 and came back to Cheshire, taking a job at the Middlewich silk works, where she worked until she had Martin in the late 1950s.

Later, she worked as a dinner lady at Wharton Primary School, before retiring for good in the early 1990s.

Elsie moved into Acorn Meadow in October 2022, and before that, lived with her son Martin for seven years.

“She was a wonderful ballroom dancer, dressmaker, and baker, in her time.

“Her apple pies were to die for.”

“People of that generation had a tough life. They really had to work for everything.”

Acorn Meadows well-being coordinator, Sophie Sidebotham, said: "It was a true honour to organise Elsie’s 100th birthday party, and it was lovely to see the smiles on everyone’s faces. 

"Our residents love a party. 

"She keeps saying what a wonderful day she had."