Evelyn marks 100th birthday (From Evesham Journal)

Evelyn marks 100th birthday

8:00am Monday 4th March 2013 in News

EVELYN Jones has lived under 19 prime ministers and five monarchs and survived two world wars.

This week, she marked another milestone when she celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends.

Born in Astwood Road, Worcester, on February 25, 1913, she attended Worcester Secondary School for Girls and then completed a secretarial course before working at a city leather shop.

In the late 1940s, she became the school secretary at Pershore High School (then Pershore Secondary Modern School) and held that position until she retired in 1977.

She lived in Mill Lane in the town and then in Cherry Orchard, before moving to South Hayes Care Home in London Road, Worcester.

She was a well-known and popular Pershore resident and about 100 people attended her 80th birthday.

Mrs Jones was on the Pershore Carnival committee and could often be seen selling raffle tickets. She was a member of the Townswomen's Guild, Tea Club, and a literary group, and used to organise events for the Pershore Retired Teachers.

She loved travelling and only gave up driving at 88 because her car was not going to pass its MoT.

Among her favourite past imes are playing Scrabble and doing the daily crossword.

Mrs Jones, who is an aunt to Valerie, a great aunt and great-great aunt several times over, said the secret to her longevity was keeping active.

She said: “It feels marvellous to have reached the age of 100 - it’s great to have got here. I’ve always been determined not to give up and I also like to keep active and have lots of interests.”