Then and Now

I recall the days I used to wash in the Brew House; we used to go in turns, one by one. Things have really changed; this was a poor area in the 30s - a lot of poverty. The buildings have all changed. I don't like the tower blocks, I never have; they went up in the early 60s. Not a pretty sight at all. In my opinion we've regressed, not progressed, through change. The most changes I've noticed are in Birmingham town centre: this is the second major change that I've seen in my lifetime. Seeing lots of shutters up the window shops is shocking. When I think of the way things are today, I realise the world's okay; it's the people in it that make it a bad place.

Dancing and Marriage

In my younger days I used to love to dance. My favourite dances were the foxtrot, tango, country and western and ballroom. I danced till all hours of the night sang my favourite song Smoke Gets in Your Eyes. It was while I was at one of these dances that I met my husband. We met at aged 15, were engaged at 18, married at 19 and we had four beautiful children. My husband was such a great provider that I retired at 37. We travelled throughout England, especially Weston-Super-Mare, and used to have great times.

Food

Food is something I've always enjoyed and my favourite food of the past is much the same as today: English food, although meat is not an option I like, such as roast potatoes, apple pie, rice pudding and coconut cake.

Games

When it comes to entertainment I like to play bingo, I always have. In my youth it was hopscotch, rounders, skipping, top and whip, kettley, Jack Stones and Diablo. We used to play most of the games in the school playground or on the streets. Today I enjoy reading, learning about the world I'm living in and communicating with friends. I have a pen pal in France, whom I've been writing to each other for 64 years.

The War

During the war I worked nights in a factory. When it was time to go in the shelters I never went as I never trusted them or felt comfortable in them, so I'd stay in the house.

Natural Remedies

A remedy that we used to use them days to cure headaches was brown paper on forehead.

Helping the Elderly

In order to improve our community for the elderly I'd like the bus drivers to be more mindful of us and that this government would cater more for our minds by developing some sort of a program to keep us amused and active. Where would we be without the elderly centres? Development of the mind is a very serious thing at our age. We need to activate, motivate and stimulate, and we also need help getting out and about.

Kids

This younger generation, if you treat them right they treat you right. It's a shame because you have to be careful whom you trust: some are okay, other aren't. Money seems to be their main problem nowadays: they're too materialistic and don't use their brains - it's all about pushing buttons. The advice I offer to you and anyone reading this is 'be as honest as you can, care for others who are worse off than yourself. The more you give to life, the more you get. If I won the lottery… I'd give the money to a children's charity.