Bessies witnesses 100 years of change

The world has changed immeasurably over the past 100 years but one woman can now lay claim to having witnessed those changes first hand.

The world has changed immeasurably over the past 100 years but one woman can now lay claim to having witnessed those changes first hand.

Bessie Gibb, of Crows Farm in Stow Bedon near Watton, turned 100-years-old on January 12 and celebrated with a message from the Queen.

Mrs Gibb was born in Sporle, near Swaffham, and until she was 96 lived in her Watton bungalow. She was also a keen gardener into her 90s and remembered when Swaffham boasted just three cars to its name.

She regularly walked three miles to school and back, although she was often helped by the nearby rag and bone cart.

'It was on my way home during world war one when I looked up and saw what I thought was a German Zeppelin overhead,' she said.

'I was sure they were here to bomb us and became really upset.

'Fortunately, a local lady comforted me and pointed out that it was actually a British airship.'

Mrs Gibb left Norfolk during the second world war but returned soon afterwards.

With two children, six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren she said the secret to a long life is a glass of sherry before bed.