SPECIAL NORTH HUB CELEBRATION
MARKS 100 UP FOR BETTY
A Southport day service staged a special celebration this week to mark the 100th birthday of one of its most popular regulars.
Family and friends of Betty Wingfield enjoyed an afternoon of entertainment, tea and cakes at the North Hub on Mornington Road, thanks to the hard work of organiser Jackie Ross, Betty’s friend and a member of the staff team.
The North Hub is run by New Directions, one of Sefton’s leading adult social care providers.
Betty – who was born just a week after the first-ever Remembrance Day in 1919 – has lived in Southport throughout her life, apart from a short spell away during the Second World War.
She had one sister - Winifred – and both women shared a passion for teaching. Betty taught mainly English at various schools in the Southport area, including many very happy years working at the former Christ Church School in the town centre.
The resort also played an important and romantic role in Betty’s married life, as she met her husband Harold during the war when they were walking in opposition directions over the town’s Marine Way Bridge.
They stopped to talk, began a relationship and were married in 1946, enjoying a long and happy life together. Their son John has just turned 70 himself, and Betty now also has two granddaughters – Victoria and Sarah – and three great grandchildren – Lucas, Evie and Rosa.
Following Harold’s death more than 15 years ago Betty was encouraged to get out and about and socialise more by attending her local day service.
Since then she has become one of the regulars at the service, making many new friends and taking part in a varied programme of activities, as well as enjoying her regular interests which include history, crosswords, tai chi and reminiscence.
When asked what has been the secret of her long and healthy life Betty’s answer was simple: “Eating well and always keeping my mind active,” she said.
Belying her grand age Betty joined in the singing and dancing at her birthday party with gusto, and very much enjoyed talented entertainer Rachel Rose.
She was also delighted to receive a special gift from her friends, an original copy of The Times newspaper from the day she was born.
North Hub Manager, Paula Scott, commented: “We were delighted to stage this event for Betty, and to share this remarkable milestone with her and her family. She is a very special lady, and an extremely popular member of the North Hub community.
“I’d particularly like to thank Jackie Ross for all her efforts and for making the party such an outstanding occasion,” added Paula.
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