Life is sweet

Now celebrating her 105th birthday with friends, family and staff at Stafford House Rest Home on North Promenade in Cleveleys, she is still fighting fit and enjoying life.

Born in Manchester, Winifred spent her working life as a furrier before moving to Blackpool with her husband in the 1960s.

Now widowed, she has lived on the Fylde ever since.

On Monday (Feb 16) she celebrated her birthday with her sister, 99, and other family members who helped her to open a big pile of cards, including a telegrams from the Queen and Health Secretary Harriet Harman.

Later on, Wyre Mayor Leonard Jolley dropped in to wish her well.

Speaking on her birthday, Winifred claimed not to have any secrets for long life, but said: "I have always lived an even life.

"I have always eaten sensibly and always had a little honey for my breakfast. Maybe that's it."

Proprietor and matron of Stafford House Jill Mellor said: "She is extremely active.

"She makes all her own clothes.

"At the moment she is knitting herself a suit.

"She likes reading too - especially Jilly Cooper - and watches television, although her hearing is not quite as good these days. She used to be a big Coronation Street fan but hasn't liked it since the Battersbys moved in!

"She has also got a wonderful memory and can remember any date you ask her about.

"She was 19 years old when the Titanic went down and she also tells a story about how her grandmother died sitting on the sand dunes in Blackpool after HMS Foudroyant was grounded.

"Apparently they had to blow it up and one of the falling timbers killed her grandmother outright.

"Her grandfather was given compensation of £100 by the council.

"Winifred says it's her ambition to get another telegram from the Queen and I'm sure she will.

"I think she'll certainly be here to see in the Millennium!"

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