Birthday joy for Agnes who is 100

Agnes Brooks enjoyed not one, but two parties at Victoria Care Home where she has lived happily for the last ten years.

The first was a tea party organised by the care home staff, who have come to know and love Agnes over the years.

Then a later gathering saw the centenarian relax in the company of around 30 family members.

There was cake, cards and flowers galore. And, of course a telegram of congratulations from The Queen.

“We think the secret to long life must run in the family genes as her brother was 100 and her sister lived to 101,” said Agnes’ son Peter Brooks, 65.

“Mum was one of eight children. She was one of the Salt family from Nether Langwith.”

“She moved to Worksop when she married my father, Charles Brooks, in 1941 and they lived Forest Lane.”

Agnes was in the services as a young girl and became a housewife once she married.

She had three children, Peter, David and Angela.

Peter said: “Mum has been quite content raising her family and looking after the house.”

“She and Dad enjoyed holidays with the other mining families to places like Yarmouth. Then after dad died in 1975 she and Angela would go away together. They liked seaside resorts like Llandudno and Torquay, but she has never been abroad.”

Back home Agnes would sometimes join her husband at the Labour Club. She also liked to place a bet on the horses.

Now she has five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren who are always amazed at how sprightly she is for her age.

“Agnes is very independent. She only uses a frame to walk with and gets herself dressed every day,” said daughter-in-law Sheila Brooks.

Peter added: “Maybe her strong-willed determination has got her so far in life.”