Member Article

Former W.A.A.F Corporal celebrates her 100th birthday in style

A former W.W.A.F Corporal, who saw active service in Algiers and Cairo is celebrating her 100th birthday with a string of luxury events.

Vera Bolam (nee McVay) from Whitley Bay, was joined by 18 or her family and friends at Tynemouth 61 at the weekend for a luxury prosecco afternoon tea, just one of the many ‘foodie’ events to celebrate the great event.

Vera, who has a son Ron and daughter Kim, shares a home with them and puts the secret to a long, happy life down to keeping active and busy, still cooking, cleaning, and shopping for her family.

She joined the W.A.A.F in 1941 and served overseas until 1944 reaching the rank of Corporal. “I loved my time overseas,” said Vera. “It was very enjoyable and educational, and I was reluctant to return to the UK when the war ended.”

However, after demob, Vera did return to the UK and worked as a sales analysis clerk at McAdam’s Drapery where she met her husband Ron, who she married in 1948 and they went on to have two children, Ron, and Kim.

“Very sadly my husband died in 1970, aged just 45, so I had to go back to work to support the family, firstly in a clerical capacity, then as a buyer for Great Universal Stores before I retired in 1984.

“I’ve had a very, very, happy, active life, working and looking after my family, and that’s what’s kept me young and heart and healthy.”

To celebrate, Vera’s family have already taken her on a trip to Scotland on the Northern Belle luxury train, where Vera dined in 1920s splendor on the train which has hosted royalty. And this weekend they will celebrate with dinner at the Ivy in York.

“It was a real privilege to be able to host a 100th birthday celebration for Vera at Tynemouth 61,” said owner Stephen Minns.

“She’s an amazing lady, a real character, and she entertained us all with stories about her life, including performing with Goerge Formby at the Empire Theatre, Newcastle when she was at the Dancing School of Stage in her youth.

“We host lots of events at Tynemouth 61, but this is the first 100th Birthday for us and it was great to share Vera’s special day with her friends and family over afternoon tea and a glass of Prosecco.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Karen Hindhaugh .