By Tommy Bonnet
One of Nottinghamshire’s oldest people received more than 200 cards on her 104th birthday – and says she still feels “out of this world”.
Winifred ‘Winnie’ Greatorex celebrated the landmark today (November 20), making her one of the oldest people in the city and county.
Winnie had a busy day in Hall Park Care Home, Bulwell, with various activities planned and having received more than 200 cards from friends, family, nurseries and even local school children.
She moved into the home just over a year ago, having mostly taken care of herself with occasional help for lunch up until she was around 103.
Care home general manager Jodie Rakhra said: “She’s the queen of the home residents. I think she inspires the other residents down here because to be 104 and still do everything, she can do.
“She remembers people, she gets up every day and she loves her activities. Winnie will try and get involved in everything.
“I’m not sure how she always wins carpet balls because when she’s got cataracts and cannot see a thing, but she wins every time.”
Winnie was born in 1920 – the year women were given the right to vote in America – and when a flight from London to South Africa took 45 days. She turned 19 a month after the Second World War began.
Winifred said: “I feel out of this world, thank god for another wonderful day. The people who work here are so helpful and give me a little push.”
In terms of what her “little secret” is to living with such great health and still in great spirits she said: “I used to dance an awful lot. the waltz, the quick step and the tango.
“I’ve never been fond of drinking – I know people like a drink but they need to do it only occasionally.”
Her daughter, 70-year-old Hillier Jordan, was also in attendance at her birthday – and said she was delighted with her mother’s “good spirit” and all the cards.
She said: “We as a family are so pleased and excited to see what she’s done and what she’s achieved. Obviously, to reach 104, is amazing.”
“She has limited mobility, but still, for her age to be able to do what she can do. I’m very, very proud of that.
“She lived for her dancing in her younger days when she was able to, so she spent a lot of time, probably 3 or 4 times a week, dancing in different venues.”
When asked about all the cards her mum had received, she said: “I don’t know how long that’s going to take, but there is an awful lot to that have been sent from right from nursery children making cards for her, from scouts who’ve made cards, as well as family friends. So we’ve got a big job on this afternoon.”
Despite being four years past her centenary, Winnie is not the oldest person in the county.
According to the Oldest in Britain website, which is endorsed by the Gerontology Research Group – a world authority on recording ages – the oldest person in Nottinghamshire is currently Zenda Wilcoxon – born in August 1914 and aged 110. She is also believed to be the 18th oldest person in the UK.
