Mansfield carerd celebrate Betty's 106 years
Betty Shimeld, of Berry Hill Care Home, led a ‘colourful life’ and maintains the secret to good health is a glass of whisky each day.
Neil Biggs, activities manager at the care home said: “We wish her a very happy birthday - it’s amazing how independent she is even at 106.”
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Hide AdBetty worked as a taxi driver for her father’s company – which was frowned upon when she was a young woman.
Neil added: “Betty loved being behind the wheel and was still driving well into her 90s.
“Her father served in WW1 maintaining ambulances and after the war he brought one back one of the ambulances from France and converted it into a taxi.”
Betty said: “I drove taxis for many years and got to know a lot of people. It made me a very good judge of character.”
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Hide AdHer carers said she was always a proud homemaker and found it difficult as old age made it hard for her to look after her home. She always loved animals and said her dogs were her best companions.
A sufferagette in her own right, Betty was once engaged to be married but when her fiance insisted she couldn’t drive anymore, she called off the wedding.
Although she never married or had children, Betty added: “I have no regrets and I have had a very lovely life.”
Staff made a cake to celebrate at a party on January 28 and Betty’s extended family joined her for a birthday tea.