Former beauty queen and Shinfield care home resident shares secret to long life on her 101st birthday

A former beauty queen and local care home resident celebrated her 101^st birthday and revealed her top tips for a long and happy life.

Gladys Morris, who likes to be known as Florrie, celebrated her 101^st birthday at Care UK’s Parsons Grange, on Westall Street, surrounded by family and friends at the home.

Florrie, who moved to Parsons Grange in September 2022, was born in Uxbridge on the 22^nd November 1922 and grew up on a farm with her nan and grandfather. Florrie had a career printing books, and even ran a pub on her own for a short time. During World War Two, she worked at the Atomic Weapons Establishment where she was senior to husband.

Florrie met her husband, Abel, on a blind date set up by her uncle. The pair were married shortly before the Second World War broke out. Abel served in the Royal Army Medical Corp and was lucky enough to escape Dunkirk on the final ship that departed, before serving in North Africa. 

The couple loved to travel together and is proud to say that she has visited every European country, either by cruise or in her own camper van, with Venice being a firm favourite. 

While celebrating her birthday she shared her top tips on living a long and happy life, including light exercise every day, gardening and bike riding. She also gives special credit to eating a prune a day as part of her diet. 

Rozina Ali, Home Manager at Parsons Grange, 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.”

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Parsons Grange care home has been designed with residents in mind. The home has plenty of space for leisure and hobby activities as well as a café, hair salon, bar and a cinema for residents to enjoy.