Member Article

One Vision Housing customer celebrates 100th birthday

A born-and-bred Southport woman who lived through two world wars has turned 100.

Kathleen Shutt, a One Vision Housing customer, marked the milestone with a party attended by over 200 of her neighbours, friends and family.

The walls in her home in Southport were covered with hundreds of birthday cards – including two from the Queen and the Secretary of State.

She said: “I’m such a lucky person – I’ve never been seriously ill. I must be superhuman or something!“

Kathleen also alluded to the secret of good health – a small daily tipple.

She added: “I eat well and sleep well, and enjoy a glass of sherry in the afternoon. I think that must be the secret.“

Born in Birkdale on 8th January 1917, Kathleen worked in Woolworths as a Supervisor until she got married.

She said: “During World War Two, I had to stay in Woolworths overnight just in case the bombs went off.

“It was awful because there were rats everywhere!“

Kathleen spends lots of time with her family, including her two children, two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren in her One Vision Housing bungalow in Southport.

She has lived there for 14 years, and gushed about her home, saying: “I always wanted to live in a bungalow – but I never thought I’d end up in one.

“I love living here and I get on with everyone. It’s a very nice place to live – moving here was the best thing I ever did.

“I’m as happy as Larry.“

When asked how she feels now that she has turned 100, Kathleen replied: “I feel great – but I can’t believe I’ve reached this age.

“If I was chocolate, I’d eat myself!“

One Vision Housing Managing Director Jed Pearson, who visited Kathleen alongside her Neighbourhood Services Officer Ian Clensy, said: “We’re so proud to have Kathleen as one of our customers.

“She is a fantastic and popular lady and it’s great to be able to share in her celebrations of this incredible milestone.“

One Vision Housing, part of the Sovini Group, is a Registered Provider of Social Housing, with approximately 13,000 homes across Sefton, Liverpool, Wirral, and more recently Cheshire and West Lancashire.

You can find more information about One Vision Housing at www.ovh.org.uk or alternatively call 0300 365 1111.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Lauren Riley .