Mansfield carerd celebrate Betty's 106 years

One of Mansfield's most senior citizens is going strong as she celebrates her 106th birthday.
Elizabeth Shimeld celebrates her 106th birthday at Berry Hill Park Care Home, Mansfield. Elizabeth is pictured with second cousin Keith Coughlan and his wife Carole from Rugby, Nurse Maria Purves and care assistant Sharon Morris.Elizabeth Shimeld celebrates her 106th birthday at Berry Hill Park Care Home, Mansfield. Elizabeth is pictured with second cousin Keith Coughlan and his wife Carole from Rugby, Nurse Maria Purves and care assistant Sharon Morris.
Elizabeth Shimeld celebrates her 106th birthday at Berry Hill Park Care Home, Mansfield. Elizabeth is pictured with second cousin Keith Coughlan and his wife Carole from Rugby, Nurse Maria Purves and care assistant Sharon Morris.

Betty Shimeld, of Berry Hill Care Home, led a ‘colourful life’ and maintains the secret to good health is a glass of whisky each day.

Neil Biggs, activities manager at the care home said: “We wish her a very happy birthday - it’s amazing how independent she is even at 106.”

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Betty worked as a taxi driver for her father’s company – which was frowned upon when she was a young woman.

Betty ived a 'colourful life' and spent most of her career as a taxi driver.Betty ived a 'colourful life' and spent most of her career as a taxi driver.
Betty ived a 'colourful life' and spent most of her career as a taxi driver.

Neil added: “Betty loved being behind the wheel and was still driving well into her 90s.

“Her father served in WW1 maintaining ambulances and after the war he brought one back one of the ambulances from France and converted it into a taxi.”

Betty said: “I drove taxis for many years and got to know a lot of people. It made me a very good judge of character.”

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Her carers said she was always a proud homemaker and found it difficult as old age made it hard for her to look after her home. She always loved animals and said her dogs were her best companions.

Betty ived a 'colourful life' and spent most of her career as a taxi driver.Betty ived a 'colourful life' and spent most of her career as a taxi driver.
Betty ived a 'colourful life' and spent most of her career as a taxi driver.

A sufferagette in her own right, Betty was once engaged to be married but when her fiance insisted she couldn’t drive anymore, she called off the wedding.

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

Staff made a cake to celebrate at a party on January 28 and Betty’s extended family joined her for a birthday tea.

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