Betty celebrates her 105th birthday

Betty celebrated more than a century of happy memories recently at Berry Hill Care Home in Mansfield.

Neil Biggs activities coordinator, said: “Betty is very independent and has had a colourful life.

“First thin in th emorning we get her up and she sometimes ask if it’s possible to have a tot of whisky or rum.

“We put on a birthday party for her and the other residents helped her celebrate.

“Staff made her a cake and sang happy birthday and of course she had a birthday card from the Queen.

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.