Town’s firefighters surprise Norfolk woman on her 100th birthday

A Norfolk woman has not let lockdown dampen her spirits as she celebrated her 100th birthday and says the secret to a happy life is to “share everything”.

Doris Warr, originally from Norwich, celebrated the milestone on Thursday, June 4, at St Edmunds care home in Attleborough, with a socially distanced party and special visit from the town’s firefighters.

The daughter of a carpenter and housewife, Ms Warr was brought up in the city and worked in various jobs including, Caley’s chocolate factory, a shoe factory, a volunteer in a hospital shop and in a prison canteen.

Ms Warr married twice, after her first husband who was killed in the Second World War.

In her second marriage, which she “remembers fondly”, they went on to have children and in 1970 her family moved to the Heartsease Estate, where Ms Warr worked at the plastics factory.

Known for her “sweet tooth”, with three sugars in her tea and a passion for chocolate, Ms Warr is a “sociable person” and enjoys the company of others.

She is regularly visited by her friends and family and likes to get stuck in with activities at the home including the exercise classes, arts and crafts sessions, quizzes and entertainment events.

Ms Warr also enjoy visits from the 6th Form students from Attleborough Academy.

When asked on advice to marriage and life is, the 100-year-old said: “Share everything - the housework, children - and you will be as happy as I am.”

Ms Warr celebrated at her care home, on Surrogate Street, and staff she had a “fabulous” day despite the planned outdoor concert having to be moved inside due to bad weather.

Jen Poch, 39, who has been manager at the care home for 11 years, said: “It was wonderful and Dorris had a fab morning.

“Doris made St Edmunds her home in 2016.

“She is a kind caring lady who always has a smile and a kind word.

“Norsecare St Edmunds feel honoured to have been part of her 100th Birthday.”