The secret to a long life, according to 103-year-old Connie

‘Work hard all your life and don’t waste time’ is the key to a long life, according to Connie Mills, who turned 103 on Tuesday.

Surrounded by family members and friends for a special afternoon tea at Bridge House Nursing Home, Twyford, Connie said that her special day felt ‘just the same as the day before’ but she enjoyed all the cards that she received, and the flowers.

“I’ve even been sent chocolate bouquets – that’s a new one on me,” she said.

To honour Connie’s 101st birthday, during the lockdown of 2021, care managers organised for 101 cards to be delivered via a social media campaign.

Two years later, the home’s care manager Mel Faulkner wanted to do something similar.

“She’s such a lovely lady, we had to do something special for her,” said Mel.

A total of 78 cards from family, friends and well wishers from the Twyford area were sent in.

“The community responded amazingly,” said Mel.

Apart from ‘the odd fall’ over the years Connie has remained in good health and has enjoyed a long and varied life, which included lots of events and fundraising. She still keeps busy now with knitting projects for charity.

A former jeweller in Reading, Connie recalls fond times working in the trade and said that even now, she can tell a gem’s worth.

She said: “I’ve been very, very fortunate. I did a job I liked. I was an apprentice to the jewellery trade.

“I worked my way up and even now I can look at a ring and say ‘that should be that much’. I’ve been very, very lucky.”

Connie’s message for longevity is: “The way I look at it is: if you work hard (which I always did) you can get yourself together with it. I’ve never shirked from hard work.

“And don’t waste time because time is limited and precious. If you flop about it’s gone.”

Connie is held in very high regard by the staff at Bridge House and the feeling is mutual.

She said: “It’s lovely here and the staff are wonderful. The food is lovely. I always send a message down to congratulate the chef.”