Wellingborough 100-year-old surprised by 'Lady Gwendoline' car carrier truck being named in her honour
Rushden-based Freemans Autologistics has named its newest car carrier truck after a 100-year-old woman with ‘Lady Gwendoline’ officially becoming the latest member of its fleet.
Alice Kettle, managing director and part-owner of Freemans Autologistics, took the opportunity to name the latest Scania Transporter Evo8 truck after her grandmother and celebrated the unveiling at Dukes Court on Saturday (February 28), calling it ‘a proud moment’ for the family.
She said: “It went really well.
"It was nice because nan has been at the home for three years now, they’re so good there. It was a really nice celebration of her 100th birthday.
“She’s got all her wits about her, she’s doing very well. Dukes Court are absolutely brilliant, I can’t fault them, they’re so good with her.
"This is a big day for us at Freemans, but it’s also a big day for us as a family. This truck represents more than just a shiny new toy, it reflects our standards, growth, hard work and the pride we take in the services we deliver.
“It’s a very proud moment, but it’s all down to the team behind us that makes it work. We’re proud to get it out on the road, but even prouder of what it stands for, and I hope it stands us apart and makes us different.”
Lady Gwendoline is the latest in a line of named trucks at Freemans Autologistics, with the unveiling of Sir Ted, so named after Alice’s dog, and Dennis Vincent, named after her grandfather, the latter of which also attended the celebration on Saturday.
Alice added: “For me, my nan and gramps taught me strength, resilience, hard work and family values, which is what we built the company on so it was important they get trucks named after them.”
The launch of Lady Gwendoline was at Dukes Court Care Home in Wellingborough, where Gwen has been a resident since 2022. The unveiling was attended by about 60 people, from suppliers, customers, family and friends, with refreshments on offer as well as a vehicle demonstration and celebrations at the care home in Northampton Road.
A spokesman for Dukes Court Care Home said: “She has a fantastic sense of humor and has us in fits of laughter on a daily basis with her jokes and singing.
“Gwen turned 100-years-young last December and lives her life to the very fullest every day, she has made many friends since joining us, one of her dearest friends is Roger, you will often see them in the lounge together having a chat or sharing the dinner table together.
“The unveiling of lady Gwendoline this afternoon was a lovely surprise and she was so shocked at the amount of people that had kindly arrived for this very special occasion.”