LONG life is par for the course for a former Lady Captain of Redditch Golf Club, who celebrated her 101st birthday at Bowood Court & Mews care home in Enfield this week.
Vera Harper, who was born the youngest of nine brothers and sisters and has lived in Redditch all her life, enjoyed a birthday ‘tee’ party with family and friends at the home on Tuesday, June 14.
The centenarian, who was awarded the honourable title of Ladies Captain in 1966 at the age of 51, put her long life down to a very happy marriage with husband Reg.
Educated at what is now Holyoakes Field school until the age of 14, Vera met the skilled toolmaker when she was working as the director’s personal secretary at Clark Springs in Redditch. They were married in 1941 at St Stephen’s Church in the town centre and held their reception at Ellis’ tearoom opposite. Daughters Angela and Bridget were born in 1943 and 1946, respectively.
Celebrating their 60th anniversary before Reg sadly died in 2008, the pair were not only avid golf and bridge players, but keen travellers, going on family camping trips across Europe. They loved Spain so much, they bought an apartment in Lloret de Mar, prompting Vera to go to night school to achieve her O’ Level in Spanish, her only formal qualification. She also loved ‘Old Time’ dancing with Reg.
Pauline Vernon, manager at Bowood Court & Mews, said Vera was a very intelligent and efficient woman with a great spirit. “Vera is a wonderful lady who loves to spend time with her family and still likes to visit the hair salon every week,” she said. “We hope she enjoyed her birthday celebration.”
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