The former nurse, who has previously received birthday congratulations from The Queen, recently celebrated this momentous milestone with another marked special memento. Being a lifelong Manchester United Fan, she was delighted to receive a signed framed letter from all at the club wishing her a very happy birthday.
Home manager Jane Clinch said:
“Nora loves football and has followed Manchester United all her life, so it was very exciting to be able to present her with this generous gift from the club.
“This was a truly remarkable day. When you think about the changes Nora has seen over her lifetime, it really is quite mind blowing.”
Nora was born in Shireoaks near Worksop on 19th March 1916 to Isabella and Herbert Hargreaves. It was just before the Battle of the Somme, while Asquith was Prime Minister, George V was on the throne, and Monet was still painting his Water Lily series.
After attending school in Shireoaks and then in Thorpe Salvin, she went on to train as a nurse in Gainsborough. Nora worked in Rugby at first, but when Coventry was bombed, her father requested she come home, and so she returned to the family in Worksop, taking up a job at the ‘Fever hospital’ in Carlton in Lindrick.
Nora met her future husband Leonard on Carlton Road where he used to walk her home. He served in the forces for four years, and the couple married when Nora was 30, while Leonard was home on leave. Two years later they had their daughter Sue Lenora. Nora now has a grandson called Christopher, and a great grandson called Samuel.
Nora has been collecting letters and cards for many years – with several particularly special ones recently, including birthday congratulatory messages from Her Majesty the Queen which she received on her 100th birthday, and then again when she turned 105.
Since September 2021 Nora has been part of the community at Gateford Hill, a stunning Grade II listed period home set in 30 acres of beautiful grounds, and one of Nottinghamshire’s most popular nursing and residential homes.
Adds Home Manager Jane:
“Nora is a wonderful, remarkable woman - not many of us will be able to see our 106th birthday! When we asked her what the secret is to a long and happy life such as she has led – and she told us it was having a drop of whiskey in her tea each morning!
“All of the staff and management at Gateford Hill Care Home are very fond of Nora, so it was our honour and a great pleasure to be able to celebrate this truly special day with her.”