Former teacher hits her century (From thisisoxfordshire)

Former teacher hits her century

12:50pm Friday 19th October 2012 in News By Freddie Whittaker, covering Politics and Kidlington. Call me on 01865 425498

FORMER teacher and devoted great-grandmother Minerva Booth has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Mrs Booth, pictured, reached the milestone on Tuesday and has spent the week celebrating with her large family.

Born on October 16 1912 in Liverpool, she grew up and trained to be a teacher in Leeds before moving to Oxford in 1939. She went on to teach at Cheney and Headington schools and start a family in the city.

Mrs Booth, who lives in Southfield Road, said she had seen Oxford change from its quiet wartime state to the bustling tourist city of modern times.

She said: “During the war there were very few cars. It was quiet and peaceful then, so I’ve seen a lot of change.

“I do have very fond memories. I never went back to full-time teaching in Oxford but I did enjoy it.”

Mrs Booth and her husband Harry, who died in a car accident in 1971, had four children, and the family has grown to include 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

She said: “I had my card from the Queen, which arrived in time for my celebration, which was lovely.”