Nora’s great, great family

Nora Walton

FAMILY love has been the key for Nora Walton, who celebrates her 100th birthday today.

Over 30 of her nearest and dearest squeezed into her home in Shaw to pop the champagne corks and toast the milestone.

Nora, who has lived and worked in Shaw her entire life, had four sons, Donald, Robert, Alan and Stuart, after marrying Harold Walton in 1933.

Now she boasts a staggering family, spanning five generations.

Already content with 11 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, she was overjoyed with the latest arrival, 8-week-old Macie, her first great-great-grandchild.

She said: “It was fantastic to see all my family together in my house, I’ve loved watching my grandchildren grow up.

“I’m more shocked than anyone that I’m 100. I never thought I would be celebrating this day.”

One of four daughters born to James and Rosina Butterworth, Nora grew up in Edmund Street in Shaw, and went on to work at the Ash and Dee mills in the town.

Her passion for reading has provided her with escapism and she says it has developed her imagination.

She said: “I must have read millions of books. I’ve got bookcases full of them, I love whodunits, thrillers, mysteries and historical novels.

“People say it’s kept my brain active and working so maybe that has helped.”

Her house filled with flowers, cards and a message from the Queen, Nora said she thought the world of her husband, who died 23 years ago.

Daughter-in-law, Julie Evans, said: “She’s just marvellous, she’s so independent and determined.”