Local woman celebrates 103rd birthday

A Shaw resident has celebrated her 103rd birthday with friends and family.

Betty, who lives at Mavern House Care Home, said her secret to a long life is ‘having a good breakfast’ and ‘lucky genes.’

She said, “I had a wonderful birthday with my family and friends. The team here at Mavern House are so kind and caring and they made the day really special for me. I feel very lucky.

“I think the secret to a long life is a good breakfast and probably genetics too. There are several people in my family who have reached their 90s, so lucky genes must play a part.”

Born in Bath in 1923 to Scottish parents, Betty grew up in the West Country. She had hoped to study science at university, but the war intervened, so instead she trained as a teacher at Bath College of Domestic Science. There she developed a lifelong passion for cooking and became a talented cook.

When World War II broke out in 1939, Betty was just 16 years old. As a student at the Domestic Science college, which was later attended by Mary Berry – she put her culinary skills to good use by working as a cook during the summers at Harvest Camps in Lincolnshire. These temporary camps were set up to tackle the severe shortage of agricultural labour caused by men leaving to fight in the war. Run by volunteers and supported by students, factory workers and Italian and German Prisoners of War. The camps played a vital role in helping secure Britain’s food supply during wartime.

Betty met her future husband, John, an Australian serving as an officer in the Merchant Navy. Stationed in Britain, he was helping to keep essential supply lines open for food, fuel and vital war materials.

The couple married in June 1945 and settled in Norfolk, where John was a lecturer at a teacher training college. Together they raised two daughters. Today, Betty enjoys a large multi-generational family that includes four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Following John’s death in February 2006, Betty returned to the West Country. She has been living at Mavern House for the past three months and particularly enjoys spending time in the garden and taking part in the home’s wide range of activities.

Manager at Mavern House Care Home, Rosie Hardie, said, “We were absolutely delighted to celebrate Betty’s 103rd birthday with her. She is a wonderful member of our community and it was a pleasure to see her surrounded by so many family members and friends on such a special day.”