A CENTENARIAN who is crackers for crispbread believes her favourite snack is the secret to a long life.
Dorothy Stupples, from Stratford’s Ambleside care home on Evesham Road, marked the milestone earlier this month.
The resident, a former cook for the Women’s Airforce, revealed her unusual secret: “My family think my secret is my determination, but I think my love of Ryvita has helped too. I am thrilled to have celebrated my 100th birthday, and to be surrounded by so many people that love and care about me really was fantastic.”
Enjoying her special day with birthday cake and a host of gifts, the team ensured Dorothy enjoyed her celebration, complete with a safe visit from family and a card from the Queen.
Manager Julia Joy said: “Everyone had a wonderful time celebrating Dorothy’s birthday, and she was particularly pleased to receive her official card from the Queen.
“Here at Ambleside, we always strive to make an occasion of birthdays, and Dorothy’s 100th was no exception. We had great fun decorating her bedroom, baking her a special birthday cake and of course stocking up on the Ryvita ready for the celebrations!”
Dorothy was born in 1921 in Middlesbrough, and moved to Leeds when she was eight-years old. She worked in her local cinema selling ice cream, before joining the Women’s Air Force as a cook. She met her husband Leslie, who she married in 1949 and went on to have her daughter, Shirley, in 1955.
The now-great-grandma loves knitting, and has continued to pursue her hobby since moving to Ambleside, creating jumpers for the home’s staff.
