NORA Penn will celebrate her 100th birthday today (April 4), putting her long life down to “taking things in moderation”.

The Badger Hill resident, who has lived in York for almost 60 years and still lives independently, admits that the last 12 months have been tough, even harder than her experiences throughout World War Two.

“I’ve got a few cards waiting for me,” said Nora. “I think I’m very ordinary, don’t drink a lot, and have been very lucky with my health and my family.

“My daughter Sally (who lives in Beverley) comes to see me once a week, I have a cleaner, and friends pop in to see me when they are allowed to (due to Covid restrictions). And a friend of Sally’s, Marilyn, kind of adopted me and brings me a meal once a day.”

Nora was born in Cudworth, near Barnsley on April 4, 1921, her father being chief accountant at a mining company in Doncaster. She was one of four children, growing up with her three brothers.

Although not even 20 when the war started, she provided help to people working for Ministry of Food by touring the West Riding of Yorkshire carrying out demonstrations on how to cook healthy and substantial meals with the short rations allowed during the war. She had a good life, living in Doncaster where the family had moved to, as the war didn’t impinge too badly in that area.

After the war she married John Penn, an ex-RAF pilot, and they began their life in Leeds. She had two children, Sally, in 1947, and Simon, in 1950. Nora now has three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. John worked as catering manager at Hunslet Engine Company and Nora starting teaching catering and associated subjects with the Leeds Education Authority and, also, at Rowntrees.

In 1962, John secured a job in York as catering manager at Rowntrees Chocolate Factory and they moved to York.

Nora continued teaching catering, baking, maths and associated subjects at the York Technical College until retiring at the age of 59 and she took up bridge as a pastime and was tournament director for York Bridge Club for more 30 years.

Bridge became her passion, playing almost every day.

Mark Dunkley, secretary of York Bridge Club, said: “Nora is a popular member of York Bridge Club who always has a smile on her face. She has remarkable mental agility and despite her age continues to be a competitive bridge player.”

Weather permitting, Nora is hoping to celebrate with five others in her garden tomorrow.