Woman, 104, says long life down to 'amazing help'

A former teacher said reaching her 104th birthday was down to having "amazing help" from her family and friends.

Winifred Chuchla, known as Bobby, lives in a care home in Ware, Hertfordshire.

A "lovely" party was held for her earlier this month and she felt "very spoilt", she said.

She served during the Second World War in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) where she met her late husband, Stan.

Mrs Chuchla was born in 1920 in Fitzhead, Somerset, and won a scholarship to attend a school in nearby Taunton.

While she was with the ATS, aged 17, she met her husband.

"We were at a dinner dance and he asked me to dance. While dancing, he asked if I could play tennis and I told him 'not very well'. The rest is history."

The couple had a son, Peter, who visits her regularly.

She has two grandchildren and in February her first great-grandchild is due.

After the war ended she returned to Somerset where she taught primary pupils, and she became a private tutor following her retirement.

"I've always liked to keep busy and on the go, but I was never really into sports or anything like that," she said.

On reaching her 104th birthday, Mrs Chuchla said: "I couldn't have got to this age without the amazing help I've had from everyone - my family, friends and the team here at Snowdrop House.

"I had a lovely time at my party and felt very spoilt."

Clare Crow, the home's manager, said Mrs Chuchla was a "much-loved resident".

"We always like to go the extra mile to celebrate special occasions and Bobby's birthday was no exception. We love any excuse for a party," she said.

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