The secret to a long life? A weekly swim! That’s the view of Westbury resident Vera Bishop who celebrated her 100th birthday earlier this month.
Vera still swims regularly at Westbury pool, something she’s been doing since she was a child. “I still go once a week to the pool and I’ll carry on as long as I can!” she said. “We all learnt to swim at Westbury pool as kids, teaching ourselves in those days, and I’ve been swimming ever since. I go to an over-50s session now, and it’s funny to think I’m twice their age!
“I’ve got a few health issues but I still love to go for a swim. It’s something that keeps me active and happy.”
Vera celebrated her 100th with a party at The View at White Horse Country Park, where she was joined by around 40 family members and friends.
“It was lovely,” Vera shared. “One of my granddaughters organised a quiz about the year I was born, 1925, and my great-granddaughter, who’s only 10, won it! She goes to Bitham Brook School and is such a bright young girl.”
Vera was born in Westbury Community Hospital and went to school at the infants school which is now the Parish Church Hall and then Westbury Secondary Modern, now Matravers. After leaving school at 14, she went into domestic service, working in Edington and Bratton before joining Dr McDonald’s household in Westbury. She later worked at Avon Lippiatt Hobbs by the railway station until her retirement in 1959.
She has lived in the town all her life and has seen the town change dramatically over the decades. “The town was very quiet back then, with much less traffic,” she said. “There were small shops everywhere, and you could buy anything you needed. The town centre was bustling, and everyone stopped for a chat – it’s a shame to see so many shops closed now.” Despite the changes, she added, “Westbury is still a nice town, and my family living close by makes it even better.
“I’m lucky to still have lots of energy. I’m even planning to start going to a local club for elderly people. It’s always good to try something new, even at my age!”
