Betty toasts 103 happy years

Betty celebrated more than a century of happy memories on 28th January at Berry Hill Care Home in Mansfield.

Working as a taxi driver for the family business for the majority of her life, Betty travelled all over and even lived in France for a short time before settling in Ravenshead.

Although she never married or had children, Betty said: “I have no regrets and I have had a very lovely life.

“The secret to a long life is to have a glass of whisky every day.”

Growing up in a time when prejudices against women were still rife, Betty was due to be engaged but after her fiancé told her she wasn’t allowed to drive for her dad’s taxi firm anymore, she told him the wedding was off and mailed back the ring in the post.

Mel Johnson, activities coordinator, said: “Betty is very independent and has had a colourful life. Her cousins came to celebrate with her last week as she was an only child, we had a party with champagne and cake. She went to the hairdressers to get her hair done especially for the party. It was a lovely day and from all at Berry Hill, we hope she had a lovely day.”

Betty, who grew up in Lincolnshire, loves to write and receives a letter every week from one of her childhood friends who she exchanges anecdotes with.