Celebrations in order for great-grandma to mark 100th birthday - The Solihull Observer

Celebrations in order for great-grandma to mark 100th birthday

Solihull Editorial 12th Aug, 2019   0

THE PARTY spirit was in full swing as a great-grandmother celebrated her 100th birthday.

Joan Jackson celebrated becoming a centenarian with family, friends, staff and the Mayor of Solihull at Ravenshaw Court Retirement Living Plus in Bentley Heath on August 7.

There was a whole day of festivities complete with afternoon tea, fizz, cake and the Mayor, Councillor Stuart Davies, raised a toast to mark the occasion.

Joan lived in Yorkshire until she was eight years old and then moved to Hall Green and stayed there for most of her life.




She married her husband Neville on March 15, 1941 and the pair had three children Neville, John and Anne.

Joan has four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.


Her fondest memory was the end of the Second World War when her husband came home after six and a half years away.

Joan said: “I never thought for a moment that I would live to reach 100, I remember a time when I thought being 40 was old.

“I look back on my life with fondness of wonderful holidays and travelling, and I am very proud of my family and how hard they have all worked.

“My favourite era was the 1920s and 30s as women dressed with such elegance and the men always looked smart with their collars and ties.

“I was one of the very first homeowners to move into Ravenshaw Court and I have made such a close group of friends.

“I have a tremendous amount of company being a part of the many social events that take place here regularly.

“I couldn’t ask for a better birthday, being able to celebrate 100 fabulous years surrounded by my family and friends.”

She added her secret to a long life is hard work and plain English food.

The Mayor, Coun Stuart Davis, said: “It was an honour and a privilege to be able to share the afternoon with Mrs Jackson, celebrating 100 remarkable years on this earth.

“It was lovely to swap stories of the good old days, and more importantly, see Mrs Jackson’s entire family out in force to celebrate the special occasion.”

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