Young at heart

Alice Evans — 100 today

Staying young at heart and mind is the key to life according to the latest centenarian from Saddleworth.

Alice Evans, from Greenfield, celebrates her 100th birthday today and says that her positive outlook has made for a long and happy life.

The middle of five daughters of Alice and William Dronsfield, Alice won a scholarship to Oldham Grammar School, but had to leave and start work in a mill in Delph after her father died.

In 1938, she married Jim Evans, and went on to have a son, also Jim, who now lives in America.

Surrounded by 45 of her closest friends and family, Alice celebrated at weekend, and opened her card from the Queen a day early.

Alice said: “I don’t feel any different, I definitely feel young at heart. I still enjoy a glass of wine or a sherry every now and then.”

Alice remembers being astonished when she saw her first car in Saddleworth.

Since then she has regularly travelled the globe, visiting Canada, Las Vegas and San Francisco, making her last solo flight to the US just four years ago.

Also a keen gardener, she last year won a First Choice Homes gardening award for her pristine flower beds, with the help of close friend Brian Beedham.

He said: “There is only one word for her and that is incredible. She’s young in mind and young heart and full of fun. Alice is interesting in so many ways and an absolutely lovely woman.”