Special celebrations as incredible Nuneaton woman turns 100

Centenary celebrations have taken place for a Nuneaton woman who was one of the council’s first tenants. Audrey Gunn’s family held a special party at Caldwell Grange Care Home to mark the 100-year-old’s birthday on Sunday (May 19).

Born in Leeds, she made the city her home after being demobilized following the Second World War. She served as a cook at the RAF airbase in Lincolnshire, where she met the man who became her husband, Ronald, who was a member of 617 Dambusters Squadron.

They made Nuneaton their home and wrote their names in the history books, becoming the first tenants of Caldwell’s first council houses. The property in Raveloe Drive was not only their home, but also that of their five children.

Mrs Gunn, in addition to being a housekeeper, also worked at the old Stirling Metals. She lived on the council estate until moving to nearby Caldwell Grange in 2022, where, fittingly, she volunteered some of her time.

She was joined at the special party by some of her family, which includes five children, 14 grandchildren. 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. The new Mayor of Nuneaton and Bedworth, Councilor Bill Hancox and his wife Mayoress Sheila joined in the celebrations.

It was their first engagement as first citizens.

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