On Sunday, 23rd September, friends and family of Bett Sharman (née Ansell) gathered at the Coulsdon Manor Hotel in Old Coulsdon to celebrate Bett’s 100th birthday.

Bett, who now lives in St. Helier near Carshalton, was born at Haliloo Farm in Woldingham which was located on the land now occupied by Woldingham Golf Club.

As a young woman Bett worked at a greengrocers in Wallington and it was while travelling on the bus to work that she met her future husband, Thomas. When war broke out Bett worked in a munitions factory Bett Sharman cutting her cake at her 100th birthday party. Photo by Mark Gravett. and in 1941 Bett & Thomas got married. Later on Bett worked in a factory that made Cindy dolls.

Bett and Thomas had two sons, Michael and Roger. Bett now has four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren although Thomas sadly passed away 30 years ago.

Bett said: “I’m having a wonderful time and am very glad I made it because I spent all day being checked over in hospital yesterday after a fall!”

Thankfully Bett did not suffer any serious injuries and the birthday celebrations went ahead as planned.