SHE has seen two world wars and 24 British prime ministers and has lived under the reign of two queens.
And as she celebrated her 111th birthday, Dorothy Baldwin – thought to be the oldest woman in Notts – proved she was still capable of being the life and soul of a party.
As well as receiving her 12th card from the Queen yesterday, Miss Baldwin was enjoying a party at Springfield Care Home, Bulwell.
Senior carer Lucy Wells said: "Dorothy is the oldest resident we've ever had but she doesn't let that stop her.
"She's quite deaf, which means she doesn't always join in with everything we do, but she's very with it and if she wants to participate, she will."
Born in Carrington on February 8, 1902, Miss Baldwin has always lived in Nottingham.
She attended High Pavement School, Stanley Road, where she enjoyed studying history and geography, before starting work a week before the end of the First World War. Starting out as a cashier for the London City and Midland Bank, in Alfreton Road, she remained there for 38 years.
Having had piano lessons from an early age, Miss Baldwin played for the Nottingham Symphony Orchestra and later became an associate of the London College of Music.
Miss Baldwin, who never married and has no siblings, began driving before tests were introduced and continued until she was in her 80s.
She lived in her own home until the age of 104, when she became frailer. But she is still in good health and takes no medication. Miss Baldwin puts her longevity down to daily doses of cabbage water.
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