Brigg woman celebrating turning 103 credits keeping busy and the 'odd glass of Bailey's' as secret to long life

-Credit: (Image: Donna Clifford/Grimsby Live)
-Credit: (Image: Donna Clifford/Grimsby Live)


A great-great grandmother celebrating turning 103 years old has credited keeping busy, getting fresh air as much as possible and the "odd glass of Bailey's" as her secret to a long and happy life.

Thelma Crowe, who lived for most of her life in Brigg, celebrated her incredible 103rd birthday with two parties at the Carisbrooke Manor care home in Scunthorpe, where she now lives as a resident.

The first party was held for Thelma's family - the centenarian has one son, three grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Thelma was then treated to a second party by staff at the care home, with cards, presents, balloons and cake galore.

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Born in Brigg on September 30, 1921, Thelma was the eldest of seven children. In her younger years, she helped to maintain the family home and cared for her younger siblings and her mother Janet, who suffered with ill health. Her "lovely" father Horace worked for British Steel, but died young.

She said: "I was the eldest so I had a lot to do in the family home. If I didn't, I would get a clip round the ear-hole. I was a good girl to avoid getting the clip."

Thelma Crowe had two parties to celebrate her 103rd birthday -Credit:Donna Clifford/Grimsby Live
Thelma Crowe had two parties to celebrate her 103rd birthday -Credit:Donna Clifford/Grimsby Live

Whilst she was standing outside the petrol station in Brigg, Thelma's future husband Frank cycled past, and the pair struck up a conversation. They began courting and fell in love - but "times were hard" during World War II, Thelma recalled.

"I can't remember going on holidays during those early days because times were hard because of the War, and it was one heck of a war," she said.

Thelma with her son Bryan and daughter-in-law Sheila on her 101st birthday -Credit:Submitted
Thelma with her son Bryan and daughter-in-law Sheila on her 101st birthday -Credit:Submitted

Thelma, who worked helping elderly people in the community, and Frank, who worked at the steelworks, would later go on to marry and welcomed one son, Bryan.

When asked what her secret to a long and happy life is, Thelma said: "Being busy, finding something to do every day and being out in the fresh air as much as possible. The odd glass of Bailey's doesn’t hurt either."