A WOKINGHAM resident has revealed her secret to living a long and happy life as she celebrated becoming a centenarian.
Parsons Grange care home pulled out all the stops at the party to help Gladys Morris, who likes to be known as Florrie, mark her 100th birthday.
Residents and staff at the Westall Street home threw a party, decorating the communal area with a balloon arch and presenting Florrie with a cake.
As well as receiving a birthday card from King Charles III, Wokingham Borough Mayor Cllr Caroline Smith dropped by to give her best wishes to the retired ammunitions worker.
Rozina Ali, home manager at Parsons Grange, said: “Florrie has only been with us since September but it feels like she’s been here for years. We thoroughly enjoy hearing stories of her past, of her travels and her work during the war.
“It was fantastic to come together with other residents and team members to celebrate her special milestone. We were all very excited to take a peek at the card she received from King Charles III and the Queen Consort.
“I would like to thank the team for organising such a special event for Florrie, it was wonderful to see her celebrate in style.”
While celebrating, she shared her top tips for longevity, which included her passion for regular exercise and keeping active. She also educated the team members on eating a healthy breakfast, giving special credit to prunes as part of her daily diet.
Florrie was born in Uxbridge and briefly lived in South Africa. After spending a period of her life running pubs and clubs, she enjoyed a successful career at the Atomic Weapons Establishment.
There, she carried out dangerous jobs, such as fusing together shells.
She married her husband Abel, who she met on a blind date, shortly before the Second World War. The pair seemed destined to be together as Abel fortuitously escaped Dunkirk on the final ship that departed. He went on to serve in North Africa, before returning to Florrie in the UK.
The centenarian loved to travel and is proud to say she has visited every European country, either by cruise or in her own camper van.
