Happy 100th birthday to Harborough's 'inspirational' Kitty who knows the secret of a long and happy life

Born in Market Harborough in 1919 and spending her early childhood in Braybrooke, Northamptonshire, Kitty went on to join the Women’s Land Army during the Second World War. She worked on a dairy farm and delivered milk using a horse and cart.

Kitty met her husband John, who was in the army, at a dance at The Assembly Rooms, in Market Harborough in 1942 and was married six months later. They were married at the town’s Catholic Church and honeymooned in Glasgow where John’s family lived.

Kitty and John went on to have six children, four boys and two girls, who all still live locally today.

Kitty is now the proud Grandma of 13 Grandchildren and 17 Great Gran Children with her 18 th due in February 2020.

Kitty’s family said: “We are all so incredible proud of mum, she has lived a very long and fulfilling life. Being continually busy as helped mum reach this amazing milestone.

"As well as bringing up six children, mum held down numerous jobs, from working at Symington’s Soup Factory on the twilight shift to shop assistant at J E Martin, Pet Food Shop as well as Tea Lady at Tungstone Batteries.

"As a family we lived on Fairfax Road for many years and then after dad died, mum moved into the newly built Brooklands Gardens Sheltered Accommodation and made a new life there.

"She organised many events and activities and ran the weekly coffee morning. At Brooklands she also met her partner of 15 years Gwilym Morris and they enjoyed many holidays together, taking mum abroad for the first time in her life. Sadly, Gwilym passed away in 2003.

"Mum continued to live at Brooklands and had many friends and still enjoyed life. She eventually moved into Brookside Care Home in Braybrooke eight years ago and described it as coming home.

"Mum today is well loved and part of the Brookside Care Home family, she is well looked after and still enjoys chatting and joking with the staff and residents. As a family we put down her long life to hard work and a keen interest in everything that is going on around her.

"Up until recently she would be first to join in and enjoys activities and mixing with people. She never dwells on the past and is always looking forward, even if today it may just be, what biscuit she will be eating with her cup of tea. She is a true inspiration and we all love her very much”.

Kitty celebrated with two parties, one on Saturday December 21 in Braybrooke Village Hall for all the family and a smaller celebration on her actual birthday with her children, and staff at

Brookside Care Home. A cake, a toast and the reading of a Birthday Card from Her Majesty the Queen, rounded off the celebrations.

Her family are keen to collect any memories of Kitty from people she knew or worked with. Please email memories to [email protected]