Determination to clock up 100

100 NOT OUT... May Holland celebrates her centenary Picture: VINCENT BROWN

A LIFETIME packed full of activities is the key to staying young for one busy Oldhamer, who celebrated her 100th birthday yesterday.

She might have toasted her century, but May Holland is showing no signs of slowing down.

May, a talented amateur artist, painted well into her 80s and didn’t pass her driving test until she was 55.

May said: “It’s really important to stay active. I like trying new things — I taught myself some Hebrew because it looked interesting.

“I’d say hard work and determination are the keys to a long life. And I don’t smoke or drink.”

May was born one of three sisters in Lennox Street, but was brought up by her uncle and aunt in Estate Street after her mother died in childbirth.

She fell in love with her neighbour Ernest, who died 27 years ago, and the couple wed in 1936 before moving to Garden Suburbs, where May has lived ever since.

May celebrated her big day with son Kenneth (64), his wife Carolyn (62) and daughter Louise (29), along with other family members.

May’s daughter-in-law Carolyn said: “May is remarkably well for her age. It’s all mind over matter for her. Although she has enjoyed good health, she never lets illness get her down and never sees a doctor.”

May, who says it is important to keep your manners, sees her family regularly and likes to keep up with local news in the Oldham Chronicle.