A GREAT-GRANDMOTHER-OF-FOUR who will celebrate her 100th birthday next weekend says the key to survival is taking part in life and not being a “passenger”.


Over the years, independent Gladys Evans has been part of the Wanstead and Woodford Inner Wheel, the Wanstead and Woodford Floral Club, the Arthritis Club and the Women's Institute.


And she only retired from being housekeeper at the Woodford Green United Reformed Church at the age of 99 - a post she held for 27 years.
She said: "You get far more enjoyment from life if you take part in things than being a passenger.


"I have never had a flu jab and have no idea what illness is, I just get on with living. I really don't feel my age."
 

Mrs Evans, who will turn 100 next Saturday (July 28), lives in the same flat in Broomhill Road, Woodford Green, she moved in to 40 years ago, and only last winter gave up the post of the flats’ treasurer.


She was born in Strood, Kent and moved to Woodford Green with her family when she was 18.
 

When she married David in 1937, she moved to The Charter Road and lived there until 1972.


The couple had two girls and two boys, who Mrs Evans raised while her husband went out to work.
 

When Mr Evans passed away in 1954, Mrs Evans was forced to find work of her own, and became part-time secretary for a farmer, whose family she still receives a grocery parcel from every Christmas.


She never remarried and instead focused her time on taking up various roles within community groups.
 

In 2006 she was awarded a certificate from the Wanstead and Woodford Inner Wheel, marking her 60 years with the club.
 

But despite turning 100, Mrs Evans, who still does all her own cooking and cleaning, has no intention of taking things any slower.


"I have no intention of going into a care home," she added.


Mrs Evans celebrated her birthday first with a garden party organised by Aston Court on Sunday (July 22) and will follow that up with a family celebration on Saturday and a party at the church on Sunday. 

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