Wednesday was a special day for one Barnoldswick resident who celebrated her 105th birthday with a card from the Queen.
May Fox, of Abbeyfield House, Gisburn Road, was born on St George’s Day in 1909 in Worksop, later moving to West Yorkshire and then Barlick.
In her card, Her Royal Highness described reaching the milestone as a “splendid achievement” but Mrs Fox played down the landmark.
Mrs Fox said: “I had one visitor come round, then another came, and then another. All the cards have worn me out. I’m happy, I just keep going.
“I can’t read as well as I did, but I like crimes, Westerns and romantics. Romantics are the best.”
Mrs Fox enjoys a weekly trip out for coffee and one of her favourite spots is Malham. She keeps her mind active by reading, completing word searches and playing dominoes and is the oldest member of Barlick’s Independent Methodist Church.
Her daughter-in-law Hilary Fox said: “It’s incredible. But day by day you don’t think of it. It’s great to be able to do these things and we enjoy going out seeing different places, flowers, seasons.”
Mrs Fox has brothers Eric (93) and Cyril (91), son Derrick, daughter-in-law Hilary, grand-daughters Tracey and Julie and great-grandchildren Jacob and Georgia.
She enjoyed a party with family, friends and Abbeyfield residents on Saturday.
Mrs Fox moved to Barlick with her husband Ernest in the early 1970s and lived in Beech Grove before moving in to Abbeyfield after his death.
Abbeyfield housekeeper Jane Thomas said: “It is amazing. May tries to keep as independent as she can and always makes her own bed in a morning.
“I think that is what keeps her going. She eats well and never moans.
“She is well respected and liked by everybody here and I think the others are in awe of her today. I’ve been here 22 years and they all feel like family, but especially May.”