JESSIE Godfrey from Norton near Presteigne celebrated her 100th birthday on March 24 with about 45 family and friends some who came from London, Doncaster and Birmingham. Jessie didn’t know a thing about the party until the day as it was organised by her son John who she lives with in Norton.

Jessie was born in 1914 at Wolstanton near Stoke on Trent. She said “I have lived all over the place”. Jessie has lived in Norton for the last 10 years and has made many friends in the area. Jessie received cards from the Queen and first Minister for Wales, but instead of gifts she wanted donations so she could help out two of her favourite charities The British Red Cross and Marie Curie. Jessie is very fit for her age and still does most of the housework in her home. She said “I am not able to knit or sew anymore but I love reading books and I can still do that.”

Her favourite author is Wilma Smith. Asked what she thought was her secret to getting to such an age and being so fit and well, she said “I drink lots of water, am a very fussy eater, have never smoked and hardly ever drink alcohol."