AN INSPIRATIONAL 100-year- old from Hucknall has challenged herself to keep her mind as young as ever by attending classes at a day centre.
Hilda Hart, who received her telegram from the Queen on her 100th birthday on May 8, takes part in arts and crafts, bingo, and other games at the Heydays Day Service based at Herbert Buzzard Court, Hankin Street in the town.
Having only given up lawn bowls at the age of 98, Hilda is as active as can be for a woman of her age.
The secret, she says, is: "Try everything that you can."
Hilda, who still lives independently, makes the most of the days at the centre, which she attends every Thursday with 11 other regulars.
"I don't feel 100 years old," she said. "But I never thought I would reach this age."
To stimulate the mind, Hilda enjoys arts and crafts sessions, where she has recently made a dream-catcher for her bedroom and a personalised tea towel.
She said: "There's a lot of things I would like to do that I can't, but I love coming here because it gives me something to focus on." Outside the centre, Hilda watches quizzes on television to keep building her general knowledge.
Having worked in a cardboard box factory before marrying in 1936, Hilda always had an eye for detail.
Although a recent study from a think tank suggested the Institute of Economic Affairs found that retirement results in a "drastic decline in health", Hilda is an exception to the rule.
Not only does she keep her mind active, Hilda also likes to maintain as high a level of physical exercise as she can.
At Heydays, she plays indoor skittles and a game, which she helped invent, where players take it in turns to throw a bean bag into a bucket.
"I used to ride my bike every day, and as a child I was always out playing in the street, so I've always been active," she said.
Her daughter, Audrey, 76, said: "It would be nice to be as active as my mum at 100.
"Every time I see her involved in activity it makes me proud."
Jane Lane, joint director of day care charity Heydays, said: "She's amazing but won't admit it, always bringing a smile, a laugh and a joke with her."
The age of the ladies who attend ranges from the early seventies to Hilda at 100, and Jane says Hilda is as lively as anyone.
"She always has a tale to tell about what she got up to earlier in her life."
Peter Gaw, Group Manager for Libraries, Archives and Information Services at Nottinghamshire County Council, presented her with a cake and card last week for her contribution to the arts and craft groups she takes part in.
He said: "Hilda is a wonderful success story who proves that age is no barrier."
Notts County Council provides the ACLS arts and crafts days at day centres across Nottinghamshire, where they are made aware of the demand.
More information about these services can be found at the web address: www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/atoz/a/adult -and-community-learning-service.
