Former beauty queen and Shinfield resident shares secret to long life
A BEAUTY queen whose career included running a pub and printing books has celebrated her 101st birthday with the help of family and friends.
Gladys Morris, who likes to be called Florrie, has led a full life.
Born in Uxbridge in November 1922, she grew up on a farm. During the Second World War, she at the Atomic Weapons Establishment where she was senior to her husband, Abel.
They had met on a blind date set up by her uncle, and married shortly before the war started.
He served in the Royal Army Medical Corp and escaped Dunkirk on the final ship that departed, before serving in North Africa.
After the war, they travelled the world, visiting every European country either by cruising or Campervan, and says that Venice was one of her favourites.
Last year, she moved to Care UK’s Parsons Grange home in Shinfield, and it was here where she celebrated a milestone birthday.
Rozina Ali, the home’s manager, said: “Florrie is a remarkable lady who is very well travelled and everyone at the home loves listening to stories about the trips she’s been on, as well as her interesting careers.
“Florrie has made many friends here, and we love to make a big occasion of birthdays so what better way to celebrate than with a homemade cake, and a party.
“It was fantastic to come together and celebrate such a wonderful milestone, and I would like to thank the team for organising such a special day for Florrie.”
When it comes to living a long and happy life, Florrie says a good day includes light exercise, gardening and bike riding.
She also gives special credit to eating a prune a day as part of her diet.