Member Article

A Proud Moment for Christine as she Celebrates 105th Birthday

A woman who ran a tobacco shop in Wirksworth for many years has celebrated her 105th birthday.

Christine Read, a resident at Spencer Grove care home in Belper, owned by Milford Care, turned 105 on January 28. She received a birthday card from the Queen and celebrated at the home with staff, family and friends.

Christine, who has two children, four grandchildren and great grandchildren, said was ‘pleased’ and ‘proud’ to have received birthday wishes from the Queen.

She said: “I haven’t got a secret. I never drank a lot or smoked.

“My husband Fred would have a double whiskey every night at 8 o’ clock. I knew when it was 8 because he’d get up out of his chair and pick up the decanter. I would join him sometimes and have a brandy.”

Christine is from Wirksworth and ran a tobacconist on the market place with Frederick during the Second World War, selling loose tobacco by weight. The couple married at Wirksworth Church when Christine was 22. They went on to have a son, Charles, and daughter, Barbara.

Christine, who has 100s of photos from her younger days, said: “To have two children at the same time was quite hard.”

During the war two evacuee boys from Manchester came to live with them. And, as well as running the shop, Christine also repaired leather shoes and boots.

A resident at Spencer Grove for five years, Christine said: “I like it here, they look after me well and I don’t think I could be in a better place.”

Naomi Davies, administration manager, said: “Christine is lovely. She is very regal and always beautifully dressed, with impeccable manners.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Poppy-PR .