In the quintessential, charming village of Lightwater in Surrey lives a very special person, Ethel Caterham, a person who never set out to be the World’s Oldest Person, nor the oldest ever British person. She, as she has done all her life, just takes it one day at a time, saying there is indeed no secret, and agreeing with my theory that she was “dealt a good hand, then played her cards right”.

Arrival

Upon my arrival, I was warmly welcomed at the beautiful care home by manager, Inderpreet Hanzra, who offered me coffee and a delicious cake in the cafe. Soon after, I was met by Ethel’s granddaughter Kate, who took me to meet her very special grandmother, whom the family affectionately call “Ganga”.

I was introduced to Ethel, who was sitting regally in her favorite place, her very own patio aptly named “Ethel’s patio” directly outside her room. Taking my hand she said “Ah yes, Ben, thank you for coming”. I gave Ethel a gift of flowers, roses and lilys, which I came to learn are her favourite. Ethel smelt them and asked “Have you brought me roses? I love roses”. I then asked if she had a good birthday, to which she smiled and politely said “Yes, thank you”.

Ethel was amazed that I had traveled all the way from Yorkshire to see her. Upon learning I was from LongeviQuest, she and her granddaughter thanked me for the trophies, which she has proudly displayed on the sideboard in her room, as well as the flowers sent for her birthday.

Her Longevity, Records, and Memories

We spoke about Ethel being the first British person to reach the age of 116. She said there was no particular secret and agreed with my theory that she had been “dealt a good hand, then played her cards right.” Ethel shared that she had always been active, enjoying gardening and walking her three dogs. Her granddaughter added that Ethel even used to walk her dog for her and could always be recognized from afar—walking briskly with her hands clasped behind her back, rain or shine.

Ethel spoke about her family, noting that longevity runs in their genes. Her sister Gladys lived to 104, and her other sisters lived into their 90s. Sadly, another sister, Norah, passed away in her 50s.

Ethel, never failing to impress, demonstrated her sharp memory, which stretches all the way back to World War I. She recalled growing up in the village of Shipton Bellinger—“a long name for a village,” as she put it—where hundreds of tents were set up for the American and Canadian soldiers who had come over. She then sang a spirited rendition of the WWI-era song “Keep the Home Fires Burning, Till the Boys Come Home,” explaining that’s exactly what they did: kept everything going at home until the boys returned. Sadly, one of her brothers, Norman, never made it back. He was killed in France in 1915 at just 19 years old.

Her Advice

Ethel then proceeded to offer some advice: “When you retire (which prompted a joke between myself and her great-grandson that there’ll likely be no such thing as retirement for us) you must have a hobby! Must keep active!”.

She added: “I took up bridge! It’s a very nice game, but it’s hard. You’re always learning which is good for your mind. I made a lot of friends playing bridge, one still comes to visit me”. Ethel fondly remembered one occasion where she was in the middle of a game of bridge hosted at her house, when her cat suddenly jumped on to the table, knocking all the cards to the floor!

Ethel’s granddaughter told me her grandma didn’t learn to drive until her grandfather died in 1976, by which time she was in her 60s. This gave her independence and a new lease of life, to go where she wanted and see her friends. Ethel, beaming, starting to laugh, said: “What about the blow up man?” Her granddaughter replied: “Oh, not the blow up man! Tell Ben about it Ganga”.

Ethel, with a smile on her face, then began the story: “Well, we would play bridge until 10 o’clock at night, if not later. When we came out in the dark I was the only one driving alone, so my friend said to me, Ethel aren’t you afraid of driving on your own? I said no! Come and see this, look what I’ve got. So I opened the boot of my car and inside I had a blow up man!” Much laughter from Ethel and everyone, myself included sensing the punchline to come.

Ethel composing herself slightly, continued: “Well my friend said what on earth have you got that for? So I said watch! I blew up the man, then put him in the passenger seat, stuck a hat on him, and then I had a man in the car with me!” Ethel’s infectious laugh encouraged more laughter from her very captivated audience. Ethel then said, “It was just like in Only Fools and Horses (a British TV sitcom from the 80s). You know, the episode when the blow up dolls explode! Have you seen it!” Actually I have, so I knew exactly what comparison she was making.

“Ethel’s garden”

After our chat, Ethel proudly showed me the beautiful garden opposite her room, which had been redesigned by the care home especially for her 115th birthday and named “Ethel’s Garden.” She then showed me all her birthday cards, including a very special one from King Charles—the first royal card ever sent in the UK for a 116th birthday. He had also written her a personal letter. After this, Ethel took my hand and warmly thanked me for coming to visit her.

To conclude my visit, I spoke with Inder, the ever-friendly manager, and was given a tour of the beautiful home by Lorraine, the lovely customer relations representative. The tour even included an amazing cinema room complete with a popcorn machine! I quickly decided that I’m moving in and have already put my name down for a room.

The tour ended back at the café, where I spotted Ethel enjoying a cup of tea and a slice of Victoria sponge. I went over to say goodbye, and she took my hand in hers, saying, “Ah, Ben, thank you for coming all the way from Yorkshire to visit me.” Her granddaughter smiled and added, “See you next year,”—an invitation I will gladly and eagerly accept.

I would like to sincerely thank Mrs. Caterham, her granddaughter Kate and great-grandson Oliver for welcoming me so warmly. Also I thank the care home manager Inder and the Customer Relations Representative Lorraine for being so friendly and welcoming.

I wish Mrs. Caterham continued good health and happiness for the future, and indeed hope to see her again next year