Norah is 100 years young

IF you have never had a birthday party in your life before, you may as well wait until you reach 100 to do it.

And’s that exactly what Norah Whittaker has just done.

Norah recently celebrated her 100th birthday at the Broadacres-run The Orchards extra care scheme in Brompton, near Northallerton.

It was the first time she had had a party, so her family and friends made sure it was one to remember, taking place over two days.

The day before her birthday (on 23rd February), children from Brompton Community Primary School came into The Orchards to sing to Norah, then on her actual birthday, a local male voice choir performed for her. She was then joined by family, friends and residents at The Orchards for a birthday tea.

Norah’s son Kevin said: “Mum is from an era where birthday parties were not considered important and because she comes from a farming family, everyone was so busy working, they just go one with things.

“This was her first party and because she was 100, it was extra special.”

Norah was born in Great Ayton but spent most of her life living in Brompton, where her family had a farm. During the Second World War she served in the Women’s Royal Air Force and when she returned from service, she met and married her late husband Arthur. They had one child, Kevin.

Kevin says: “It was becoming increasingly difficult for mum to remain in her own home, so she moved into The Orchards three years ago, and hasn’t looked back.

“The staff are all first-class and have helped in so many ways.

“Ironically, my dad kept chickens and had an allotment on what is now The Orchards, so it’s nice for mum that being holds lots of happy memories for her.”

Broadacres’ Chief Executive Gail Teasdale visited Norah the day before her birthday to present her with some flowers.

She said: “It was wonderful finding out about and meeting Norah, and we’re pleased that we were able to share her 100th birthday with her.”