A Nantwich resident has celebrated her 100th birthday in style with family and friends.
And Betty Taylor attributed her amazing longevity down to porridge and fresh air!
The centenarian enjoyed a small family lunch at Rookery Hall near Nantwich to mark the occasion before enjoying a surprise visit from the town’s new Mayor Cllr Kim Jamson.
Born in 1926, just eight years after the end of the First World War, Betty has witnessed extraordinary changes throughout her life.
During the Second World War, she was evacuated from Manchester and recalled with remarkable clarity being sent to Accrington.
However, her stay there was short-lived because Accrington became a target for bombing raids and she returned home.
At the end of the war, she trained as a nurse working in Manchester and London.
Later she moved into social services, where she rose to a senior post, until retiring at the age of 55.
Glorious freedom, she called it, and she filled her time with holidays and outings with her husband Gerald.
One of her greatest pleasures was staying in touch with friends and their children, some of whom were at her party.
They moved to Nantwich 26 years ago to be closer to family, and Betty spoke warmly of the town and its strong sense of community.
She reflected on the importance of kindness and consideration for others, adding that she had experienced both in abundance during her years living in Nantwich.
A highlight of the celebrations was a birthday card from The King and Queen, which guests at the celebration were invited to sign as a lasting memento of the occasion.
Cllr Jamson presented Betty with flowers and a birthday card on behalf of Nantwich Town Council, fellow councillors and the people of Nantwich.
She said: “It was a privilege to meet Betty and help celebrate such a significant milestone.
“To have lived through a century of history is remarkable, and it was wonderful to hear some of her memories and reflections.
“On behalf of the people of Nantwich, I wish her a very happy birthday and continued good health.”
Betty’s family said: “Betty has always been independent, resilient and full of life.
“Seeing family and friends come together to celebrate her 100th birthday has been very special for all of us.”
Asked what she attributed her long life to, Betty said: “Porridge, fresh air and a fear of the Lord!”
(Photos courtesy of Betty’s family)
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