A FORMER Redditch teacher celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends on January 11.
Pauline Saunders, who taught French, History and RE subjects at Lodge Farm School and St Augustine’s Catholic School until her retirement in 1985, met her loved ones at The Barley Mow pub in Studley.
Pauline was instrumental in setting up the local Friends of Auxerre Twinning Association in Redditch and formed the first link in April 1968 between St. Augustine’s and a school in Auxerre.
She devoted many years of her life to the association, including as chairman, and remains one of its longest serving members.
Pauline would often act as an interpreter for the group during visits to France as she spent many of her formative years living there.
Born in Birmingham to a French mother and an English father, Pauline was just 19-years-old when World War ll broke out.
Soon after she returned to England to avoid being interned.
Later, she joined the Civil Defence as an ambulance attendant.
She was on duty during the first bombardment of Coventry on November 14, 1940.
Her daughter, Pauline Wood, said: “My mum, who has always been quite tough, was completely independent until she had a fall two months ago.
“Since that happened she has been living with me in Leamington Spa.
“I think she has been exceedingly lucky to get to 100-years-old.
It appears she has one of those special genes that only centenarians carry.”
