TWO survivors of Second World War bombing raids are marking three-figure milestones this week.

Elsie Watts, of Lugano care home in Powell Road, Buckhurst Hill, will be 105 on Sunday, while 100-year-old Amy Rimmer is celebrating her birthday at Weald Hall Residential Home in Thornwood, near Epping, today (Friday).

Mrs Watts lived in Stratford during the war, until being evacuated to Surrey after her house was bombed.

She moved to Epping in the 1950s before taking up residence at Lugano a few years ago.

Her daughter, Gladys Farrell, 78, said: “We had a very good party at the home. One of the staff there was a good singer, so we had music and quite a lot of food.

“I think she’s the oldest lady they’ve had at the home and she’s been there the longest - about 10 years.”

Mrs Rimmer is celebrating her 100th birthday with her son, three daughters, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She was born in Shoreditch and moved to Bounds Green, north London with her husband, electrician Fred Rimmer, in March 1940.

That September, while she was expecting her son Bruce, her home was bombed and she was trapped in the rubble for more than 12 hours.

Her husband died in 1969 and Mrs Rimmer lived in Moremead, Waltham Abbey, for about 15 years before moving to Thornwood in 2006.

Her daughter, Marion Locke, said: “She lived through the two World Wars and we don’t realise how much people had to put up with.

“She went to Waltham Abbey Community Centre, which was a social thing and she went dancing.

“I think the ballroom dancing has led to a long life, as well as having a happy family and the grandchildren,” she added. “All her carers are tremendous as well.”

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