A POPULAR Redditch lady is celebrating an important birthday milestone this week – marking her 100th year surrounded by her family.
Jessie Hopkins is turning 100 years old today (Friday) and although she is feeling a little nervous about reaching her centenary, is looking forward to some time spend with her extended family to mark the occasion.
Having worked in the Singer Sewing machine factories in Birmingham as a young woman, Jessie later settled in Redditch where she met her husband, and ran the fish and chip shop in Astwood Bank for many years throughout the 1950s and 1970s.
The business thrived and although she only opened the shop three days a week, she quickly became well-known to the factory workers who enjoyed a Friday lunchtime treat or fish supper from the shop.
Jessie, lives independently with just a little support from her family, has four great-grandchildren and one great great granddaughter (pictured), and they will all be joining her for a birthday meal this weekend.
When asked what her secret to a long and healthy life is, Jessie said that she isn’t really sure, but that she drinks a lot of Lucozade sports drink to keep her energy up.
