Former WW2 servicewoman celebrates landmark 100th birthday
A former World War Two servicewoman has celebrated her landmark 100th birthday this week.
Norah Nicholson marked her special birthday on Monday with family who gathered at the William Ghent House community centre, Balderton.
The occasion was well-attended by many relatives and friends who came to mark the special day with Norah.
"Norah is from a family of two brothers and a sister who she has all out-lived. She took on the role of being my mum after my own mother died in 1966," said Beverley Mackinder, Norah's step-daughter.
Norah currently lives at Millbank Care Home on Millgate but joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service in WW2 when she was 21, going on to serve in various places throughout the country.
"I think she is an amazing woman. She makes friends wherever she goes and is such a gentle lady, but it quite firm when she wants to be," said Beverley. "Even at the age of 100, she still pesters the care home staff for a cup of tea and three biscuits each morning."
The celebration began as Norah opened her 100th birthday card from the Queen, followed by a presentation from the Royal British Legion.
Ben Mayall, of the Royal British Legion's Balderton branch, also came to celebrate with Norah on her big day.
He said: "I've been told a lot about Norah over the last year and there was a suggestion that with her 100th birthday coming up, we should attend.
"To meet a lady of her age is incredible and it is very important to me. It has been a privilege to meet someone like Norah and lovely to see so many other people here who feel the same way."
Although Norah has never had children of her own, Beverley said she has been a great support to her over the years and is a very good listener.
"We have been very good friends but she has ultimately been my mother. She is an amazing woman," she said.
Following the celebration, Norah cut her own birthday cake – made by a local student caterer – before she was taken to her second birthday party at Millbank Care Home.
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