As she reaches her birthday milestone today, a Bucks resident shares the key to a long and happy life, and the greatest gadget that's been introduced during the last hundred years.
She has lived through a world war, the first moon landing and the introduction of mobile phones and the internet.
But of all the things she has seen in her life, Barbara, who still lives independently in Shabbington, says the best invention for her now, is the television
“I’ve got my colour television, I should think that’s the best thing because it keeps us oldies in touch with then world”
While she's happy in front of the telly, she admits she misses getting out and about, especially behind the wheel of her car:
“I loved driving my car. I last drove my car when I was 93. I had it out at Christmas time - it was the last time I went to church to have communion. It was the Bishop of Aylesbury that took it. I remember that very well”
She told us that although she misses going to yoga, or shopping or driving her car, she's grateful to her carers and is thankful for her long life:
“I’m lucky - I have good carers looking after me. I’m fed well, I’m kept clean, and lots of people don’t have that. I feel sorry for them”
From her birth in 1921, she reminisces on her pre WW2 childhood:
“I had a happy childhood. I’ve been very lucky. I had good family and parents - what more could you want”
And what is her secret to a long life?
“Doing exercise, having good food, being happy and helping people”
And for Barbara, good food includes plenty of one particular good:
“I especially enjoy scampi. It’s my favourite food. I’ll eat as much of that as you put in front of me”
Happy 100th Birthday Barbara!