Rose Brinkworth marks her 100th birthday at Highborder Lodge, surrounded by loved ones sharing stories of her life in Gloucestershire.
Her daughter, Christine Hodges, shared Rose’s story. Rose was born on February 15, 1925, in Standish. She went to school there and then attended Central school in Stroud.
Rose met Don, her future husband, after taking the railcar from Stonehouse. He attended the boys’ school. She frequently biked for work and to visit family, putting her feet on the handlebars to prevent mud from splashing her stockings.
During the war, Rose worked at Hoffmann. She married Don in 1948. A musician played cello during lunch, and “The Swan” became Rose’s favorite piece.
They settled in Stonehouse, where Rose worked as a dinner lady at Stonehouse Primary School. Don lectured at Stroud Technical College, allowing them to enjoy school holidays together.
Rose lived mostly in Gloucestershire, although they resided in Hampshire for two years due to Don’s job before moving back. Later, Rose lived in Ebley and Minchinhampton.
She often saw Princess Anne, who brought Peter and Zara to play school at the scout hut across from Rose’s home. Rose also worked in schools as a lab assistant, first at Stroud High School and later at Eastcombe Manor School.
Rose and Don enjoyed traveling in Europe, with Chamonix and Annecy being among her favorite destinations. She also loved Lake Lucerne and the views from Rigi Mountain.
Rose was a talented dancer, enjoying ballroom and sequence dances, which became her main hobby later in life. In her late eighties, she enjoyed cruises, including one around the British Isles and another to the Canary Islands with her friend Lynn.
Rose and Lynn enjoyed theatre, often having cocktails before shows. Rose loved reading, crosswords, theatre, and music.
Rose moved to Stroud, where she lived until nearly 99 before her mobility declined. She now resides at Highborder Lodge, where she receives excellent care.