Clean living Christiana makes 100
Clean living and working hard are the secrets to long life, according to a woman who has celebrated her centenary.
Christiana Townsend spent her 100th birthday with her daughter and son-in-law after receiving a large number of cards and other presents.
She said: “I’ve been spoilt, with my daughter Philipa and her husband Steven treating me to lunch.
“I’ve also received about seven bouquets of flowers, lots of cards and more than a few boxes of chocolates and cakes today.
"I then enjoyed a relaxing afternoon at home, so I’ve had a lovely day.”
Ms Townsend was born on September 25, 1920, in Great Bridge at the Harrow Inn on William Street before moving to West Bromwich as a school girl.
After attending Fisher Street School, she went on to work for Steel Parts during the Second World War on the service line, meeting her future husband Phillip during that time.
The couple married at St Francis Church in Bournville. Christiana and Phillip lived on Anson Road in West Bromwich until Phillip’s death in 1984, just months after Philipa’s wedding.
Christiana said: “My message to people asking for my secret is to enjoy clean living and plenty of hard work as it will help you in the long run.”
