War baby Grete turns 101

For Norwegian-born Grete Barker, becoming a centenarian is so last year as she marked her latest birthday with cake and a tipple at The Lodge care home in the town’s Broad Street.

Grete was born in Copenhagen in 1914 – the same year that the First World War broke out.

She worked in the service and then moved to the UK to learn English prior to the start of the Second World War.

When the conflict began, Grete even served in the British army, and there met her future husband.

Grete has been at The Lodge for four and a half years now and, according to those who look after her, she spends her days taking things nice and easy.

The care home’s Syeda Tulzahara said: “Grete will tell you she has earned the rest at her age.

“She still has a sweet tooth and loves a cake.

“She likes to talk to others about her family and her early life, but Grete does likes time alone too.”

Grete’s pastimes now include watching TV and listening to the radio, and at her grand old age, she is still partial to a sherry.

Despite reaching 101, Grete has not received a second card from the Queen, as her messages are sent to those celebrating their 100th and 105th birthday and every year thereafter.