11:07am Friday 27th March 2009
By Hannah Crown
A WOMAN who turned 100 this week only realised the true date of her birthday when she applied for a telegram from the Queen.
Ada Payne had celebrated every birthday on March 21 since she was a child but found out that her birthday was in fact on March 25 when her family had to apply for a new birth certificate to send to Buckingham Palace.
Granddaughter Eileen Poole said that she had to apply for a new birth certificate after not being able to read the – hand written – date on her hundred year old one.
Mrs Payne, who was born in Waltham Abbey, moved with her family to Grove Road West, Enfield Highway and went to Eastfield School. She then worked "in service", cooking and cleaning for a family in Bycullah Road, Enfield.
She had a party on Wednesday in Eliza House, where she moved four years ago, with 50 people, mostly family, and all the other residents of the care home.
Granddaughter Eileen Poole said: “She was on top form she was sitting there tapping her feet and singing she really had a lovely time. She said what are all these people here for? And she had some sparkling wine, though normally she is a cup of tea and a bun person. "The care home have been wonderful, they really looked after her."
Mrs Payne has two children, Norman and Pauline, with husband Bill, who died ten years ago. She also has four grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
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