Norah has had a sweet 100 years
Hard work, fresh air and walking are the secrets to a long happy life, according to Oldbury pensioner Norah Rose, who has celebrated her 100th birthday.
Norah – who confesses that throughout her life she has "added salt and sugar to everything" – celebrated at Norbury Manor Care Home.
Widow Norah was born on September 23, 1909 and was the youngest of five daughters. She also had a brother who dies in the First World War.
Growing up in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, Norah has fond memories of playing in the parks and the churchyards around the area as she was growing up.
She left school at 14, with dreams of training to be a teacher, but had to go out to work and became a book keeper.
At 25 she married husband Richard Rose and spent most of her adult life living in Balsall Heath, before moving to Oldbury.
Norah's nephew John Norris, aged 82 and wife Joyce, 80, of Rowley Regis, were at the home on Wednesday to celebrate, along with Sandwell mayor Geoff Lewis.
They said she was enjoying her special day and attributed reaching the milestone birthday to working hard and enjoying the outdoors.
Joyce said: "She is an amazing lady.
"She has received a card from the Queen and has been presented with a birthday cake. I think she is quite overwhelmed by all the attention.
"She has had a wonderful life and although she never had children she enjoyed a great social life.
"We are delighted to be here to share her birthday celebrations," added Joyce.
