In 1915, so begins this ode,

A baby girl delivered in Paddington, South Wharf Road.

Future unsteady in the midst of World War

Impossible to predict what life would have in store...

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But you grew up healthy and strong, 7th child of 8

And enjoyed days out in Southend, with Kate

Working hard at Waterman’s Ink

 And then meeting Jimmy, finding love in a blink.

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A marriage in ’36, barely aged 20

But love and happiness, together you had plenty.

A few blissful years with 2 little girls

Before the threat of World War once again unfurls...

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Choosing not to leave London, tackle the Blitz head-on

Few today would have been so strong.

But the 50s saw you looking ahead, a new start

With a television, phone… and a Ford popular!

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Spending the summers in Corton and Dovercourt

And Warner Camps - the ideal holiday resort!

And then moving to Willesdon before settling here

Filling our lives with laughter and cheer.

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So I propose a toast to you Kitty, and I think it should be sung

A very happy birthday – you are 100 years young!

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