Former E&S receptionist celebrates 105th birthday
A former receptionist at the Express & Star during the Second World War has celebrated her 105th birthday surrounded by four generations of her family.
Nelly Roston was overjoyed after reaching the milestone this week at Leylands residential home on Penn Road.
First living in Brickkiln Street before moving on to St Phillips in Penn, Nelly attended Brindley Street School and after finishing her studies went to work at Beatties.
During the Second World War she became a receptionist at the Express & Star, with her sister, Dora also working at the Queen Street head office as chief librarian at the time.
Her father was in charge of Roston File Company in Wolverhampton, which ran for more than 100 years after he inherited it from Nelly's Grandfather.
Niece Margaret Roston said: "We're all so proud of Nelly being here today, what a tremendous age to reach.
"It's her time now to have a fuss made over her. We want to give her what she's given us over the years.
"She's always been so kind to everyone, especially the children of the family. You wouldn't believe the age she is if you looked at her, it's remarkable."
After the war, Nelly moved onto becoming a bed co-ordinator at the Royal Wolverhampton Hospital. With many strings to her bow, she performed in amateur productions at the Grand Theatre, was a keen tennis player and an avid painter.
