‘A daily glass of dry white wine’ – Birmingham resident reveals secret to long life on 100th birthday

A resident at a care home in Sutton Coldfield celebrated her 100^th birthday by sharing the secret to a long and happy life.

A very special birthday celebration took place at Bishops Manor, on Jockey Road, when resident Winifred Morris (also known as Win) celebrated her 100^th birthday in style. 

Win revealed her secret to longevity was: “A lot of luck and good fortune! My family always keep me going, as well as my daily glass of dry white wine with one cube of ice which has become my evening ritual and has definitely contributed to a long life.”

To celebrate the special occasion, the home and her daughters decorated the café with balloons and banners, and the home’s talented chef baked a special birthday cake for everyone to enjoy.

Win was born on 11^th May 1923 in Ladywood, Birmingham. Sadly, losing both her parents at a young age, Win’s grandmother raised Win and her brother George. 

Although times were tough, Win has many happy childhood memories, including family holidays to Rhyl, North Wales.

She also remembers fondly her Uncle Bill, from Birmingham, who would make her toffee apples and homemade ginger beer of which she can still remember the taste. 

Win left school at the age of 14 and went to work as an office junior. Win always had a strong sense of duty and so on 2^nd December 1941 at the age of 18, Win joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force, a vital part of the Royal Air Forces war effort. 

Win spent five years in the WAAF and is very proud of the role she played and can even remember her WAAF number, which was: 2062915.

Win married her husband Jack in 1951. Jack owned a motorbike, and they would go on adventures as often as possible. Win commented: “I would get quite dirty on the back of the bike and when I first met my future Mother-in-Law I was greeted with “It’s very nice to meet you Winifred, would you like a wash?” 

 

Win has two daughters, Jackie and Sue, and four grandchildren, Vicki, Mark, Andrew and Katie, and five great grandchildren, Toby, Jemma, Lilah, Willow and Blake.

At Bishops Manor, Win is a social butterfly and a popular resident. She takes part in all activities and can often be seen in the bistro playing scrabble with the team and her daughter Sue. She loves a quiz and thoroughly enjoys all the musical entertainment held at the care home. 

Sarah Diamond, General Manager at Bishops Manor said: “We always like to throw a party for special milestones – and Win’s 100^th birthday certainly called for a celebration!

“It was fantastic to help her mark this incredible milestone with a special birthday party with her family and friends here at Bishops Manor, and to raise a glass of dry white wine – cheers to Win!”   

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Bishops Manor, which remains open to potential residents, incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The building has been designed to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.