Housework the key to a long life, according to 100-year-old from Warboys

WORKING long hours and doing lots of housework is the secret to a long life, according to a Warboys resident who turned 100 last Wednesday. Hilda Barker, of Ashleigh Court was born in Wimbledon on June 17, 1909. From the age of 17 to 60 she worked as a

WORKING long hours and doing lots of housework is the secret to a long life, according to a Warboys resident who turned 100 last Wednesday.

Hilda Barker, of Ashleigh Court was born in Wimbledon on June 17, 1909.

From the age of 17 to 60 she worked as a window dresser for wedding and evening gown shops in London.

She married David in Tottenham in 1936 and remained married for 27 years until his death just after the war.

She has lived in London and Buckinghamshire and moved to Warboys 12 years ago.

Mrs Baker has one daughter, Brenda Vockings who lives in Warboys and two grandchildren who live in Buckinghamshire.

Not content with working long hours and being a wife and mother, Mrs Barker enjoyed voluntary work including making lunches at the British Red Cross.

When asked the secret to living to 100, Mrs Barker said: "Staying active. I've always been busy in my life and never really had time to sit down. I worked long hours all my life and I've never drunk or smoked."

She added: "I think my love of housework has also kept me fit and healthy. I really love doing housework. There is nothing better than cleaning a room from top to bottom and then standing back and admiring the tidiness."

The 100-year-old still enjoys housework and does much of her own including the dusting.

Instead of presents for her birthday Mrs Barker has asked her family and friends for donations, which will be given to Great Ormond Street for children with leukaemia.

Mrs Barker said: "At my time in life I do not need presents, it is more important that these poorly children are helped.