Miriam, 100, still at the heart of her community
She was born and bred in a South Staffordshire village and 100-year-old Miriam Hough still remains at the heart of her community.
Mrs Hough from Essington has been celebrating reaching her centenary year with family, friends and neighbours this week.
Mrs Hough was a service girl at a family home in Sutton Coldfield at the age of 15 but later returned to Essington to work at the home of a doctor in the village.
It was in the 1930s she met her husband Bill and they were married at St John's Church in the village.
They went on to have two children Janet, 69, and Susan, 63.
On Monday Miriam was joined by her daughters and two grand-children Victoria and Richard.
Daughter Janet said: "As a mother she was strict but very caring. She is a very hard working mother and very well respected in the community but she went about it quietly.
"She was a terrific cook. I used to love her homemade apple pies and she would cook fish in batter from scratch. My sister Susan loved her Sunday roasts."
Before his death in 1991, Miriam would join her beloved husband Bill on trips to the Isle of Wight and to Wales where Bill had relatives.
Janet added: "My mother is being cared for now but she hasn't lost her sense of humour she is always having banter with the carers.
"It was good to see so many people celebrate her birthday with her there were faces she hadn't seen for years. I know it meant a lot to her for people to come out and wish her a happy birthday."
