Hemsworth centenarian gets a surprise birthday gift

Doreen Orr, pictured with granddaughters Louise Marsh-Elliott and Clare Keates, celebrated her 100th birthday on February 16.

Doreen Orr had planned to mark the big day with friends and family, but was given something else to celebrate when she was treated to the arrival of her seventh great-grandchild, Eleanor.

Born in Hemsworth in 1920, Mrs Orr, née Waite, lived on Little Hemsworth and attended Southmoor Road School.

She later went on to a job as a nursery maid, before spending time as a nursing assistant at Clayton Hospital.

At the age of 19, she married Jim Orr, who worked in the coal industry. The couple moved to Grove Lane, where they welcomed sons John and Keith.

In later years, Mrs Orr would become a grandmother to Clare, Louise, Melanie and Lauren.

She has also welcomed great-grandchildren Mathew, Sebastian, Robert, Violet, Henry, Harriet and baby Eleanor, who was born during her 100th birthday celebrations.

Speaking as her grandmother celebrated her big day on Sunday, Clare said: “Knitting, sewing, crocheting, she can do anything.

“She’s still very alert and remembers every little detail. She has a lot of stories to tell about her past.

“She had two dogs, a Corgi called Shandy and a Jack Russell called Pinker. They were her companions, she loved them.”

To mark the special occasion, Clare organised a party with Mrs Orr’s friends and carers, as well as the ever-important telegram from the Queen, which was presented to her grandmother on Sunday.

How the world has changed

Since Doreen’s birth in February 1920, the world has changed immeasurably.

From the Second World War to the rise and fall of the Berlin Wall, to the invention of the Internet, it’s been a remarkable century.

During Mrs Orr’s life, the UK has seen four monarchs take to the throne, the nationalistation of the coal industry and the construction of more than 2,000 miles of motorway, as well as the introduction of the decimalised currency in 1971.

In fashion, Mrs Orr has witnessed the rise and fall of flared jeans, shoulder pads and skinny jeans - though she herself prefers a classic matching two-piece-set.