I was born in Measham, a small village in Leicestershire, where I grew up with my younger brother, mother, and father. Sadly, I lost my brother when he was only 2, and my father, who was a miner, died when I was only 12 but I still feel that I had a normal, happy childhood - we made our own pleasures in those days, and everyone knew everyone. My mother and I were always very close and remained so for the rest of her life.
I started working when I was 14 years old, firstly in clerical work, and later, on the telephone switchboard. When World War II came, I was called to assist with clerical work at Bletchley Park for the Foreign Office for three years.
I met my husband in 1941, a Glaswegian named George Kelly, while he was based in my village with the army. We married after the war, in 1947, before I moved to Glasgow, where I’ve remained ever since. George and I were happily married for 68 years, and had two lovely daughters, Allison and Gillian, bringing us to a family of four. My daughters are wonderful, and have been a great comfort to me, more so than ever since I moved into Whitecraigs Care Home in Thornliebank six months ago and I’m very happy here. We play bingo regularly, and I even tried karaoke for the first time. My favourite song to sing is, ‘White Cliffs of Dover’ by Vera Lynn – I just love the lyrics. I have great relationships with the other residents and the staff and have even been involved in recruitment of new members of staff, which I’ve really enjoyed.
I still enjoy my independence here, and the home is really supportive of that. I believe that care workers should be innately caring, but they also have to be able to have a good laugh too and that’s our staff to a ‘T’. A few months ago, they asked what I would like to do to mark my 100 th birthday today, and suggested that I book one of the rooms here for a party, since I didn’t have any plans yet. With their help, I now have lots planned. On my birthday, I’ll see my closest family members, and on Friday, I’ll celebrate with my friends here at the home. Over the weekend, my three grandchildren and four great grandchildren will visit me too. I’m so looking forward to it.
I keep busy, and amidst bingo and karaoke, I love to knit. I’ve made hats for newborns at the children’s hospital, and blankets for ‘Fish and Chip babies’ – little ones who are wrapped in newspaper if they don’t have anything thicker. I like to help where I can.
I can’t quite believe I’m 100 years old and I don’t know what the secret to living so long is. I’ve had what you’d call a normal life - we ate plain, healthy food that was always homemade, and we spent a lot of time outdoors, my husband and I liked to walk a lot in the fresh air, so maybe that has something to do with it. The years have certainly flown in, but I have lots of lovely memories, with lots more to make.
