Oldest woman in Derbyshire turns 108!

Nora Hill, who celebrated her birthday on Tuesday (October 31), has received eight cards from the monarch - and this year even received a telegram from the head of state pensions.

New Mills born and bred, Nora lived in her own home until the age of 103, when she moved into Watford House Residential Home in New Mills.

Carinna Mycock, deputy manager at the home, said: “It must be the good clean country air in New Mills which has kept her going for so long.”
Nora was born back in 1909 and married her husband Colin on her 24th birthday in 1933 at Disley Church, after they had met at New Mills Parish Hall.

During the Second World War Colin served in the RAF in Burma, leaving behind his wife and young son, Michael.

Nora loves her sport and is a massive tennis and cricket fan.

Carinna said: “She has a quick wit and isn’t afraid to use it, so if someone stands in front of the television when the tennis is on you can expect to be tutted at, loudly, until you move.”

Around 20 friends and family attended a grand celebration on Saturday, and Carinna said Nora spent “most of the day beaming” as she is very family-orientated.

On her actual birthday, the care home celebrated the occasion with cake and champagne. It also laid on some Halloween-themed activities, and Nora spent time hitting a spooky-filled piñata and laughing with staff.

Upon receipt of her card from the Queen, Nora looked at it fondly and stated that it was nice to ‘our Liz’ again.

Carinna added: “She is a lovely woman and even though she is the oldest woman in Derbyshire, you can still see that sparkle in her eyes.

“She is a truly wonderful and inspirational woman and we hope she is with us for many more birthdays.”