DRINK your husband’s red wine – that’s the secret to a long life, according to a Silhillian centenarian.
Audrey Freakley celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by her family and friends at Blossomfield Grange care home.
They were joined by the Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Shahin Ashraf, for a surprise musical performance from musician, Linda Williams.
Audrey said: “It was a lovely day and such a surprise to see everyone who had come along to celebrate with me.”
She also revealed her secret to reaching 100-years-old: “Drink your husband’s red wine – my husband used to make his own!”
Audrey was born in Edgbaston on September 30 1924.
Since the age of six, Audrey has enjoyed playing the piano and although never pursuing piano playing professionally, Audrey quickly developed a talent of hearing songs and being able to play them back without looking at sheet music.
After decades of practice in Birmingham and Black Country clubs, Audrey continues to play more than 300 songs from memory for her fellow residents at the Worcester Way home.
Audrey met her husband, Kenneth, in Sutton Park when she was out with friends. They married in 1942 and had four children – Janet, Theresa, Kenneth and Michael.
Audrey has four grandchildren and five great grandchildren who regularly visit her at the care home.
Jag Singh, general manager at Blossomfield Grange, added: “Audrey is a much-loved resident at Blossomfield Grange, and we were determined to give her a 100th birthday to remember.
“With a visit from The Mayor of Solihull, to toasting with a glass of red wine, it certainly was a day to remember, and listening to her share her words of wisdom was the icing on the cake.”
