A Northern woman revealed on her 100th birthday that the secret to living a long life is in fact, not talking to "strange men".
Olive Westerman, who is a much-loved resident at Dee-water Grange care home in Chester, celebrated a huge milestone this week that not many get to achieve – her 100th birthday.
The centenarian was born in South Kirby, Yorkshire in 1923 and has lived an extremely fulfilling life, reports The Manc.
From starting out working as a nursery nurse for children during the war for nine months, before meeting her husband Sam at the local church she’d been going to all her life.
Image: Deewater Grange Care Home
Olive and Sam were married soon after meeting, and the lovebirds when on to share a “lifetime of happy memories” together before he sadly passed away.
The nature of Sam’s job as a clerk and a writer meant that the couple had the chance to travel all over the world.
This even included them getting to call Singapore home for three years.
But despite everything she has been lucky to do in her lifetime, managing 100 laps around the sun is no doubt one of Olive’s biggest achievements, and so, the team of carers at Deewater Grange decided to go “above and beyond” to ensure she had a “celebration to remember”.
As a lover of travel, Olive got to take a trip to Inglewood Manor in Ellesmere Port to celebrate her special day, and she was joined by all her fellow residents at the care home for something that she had never gotten the chance to experience before – a private “high tea”.
The home also continued the tradition that Olive’s late husband Sam began, and gifted her a bottle of Estee Lauder perfume on her birthday.
“Here at Deewater Grange, we always strive to make an occasion of birthdays, and Olive’s 100th was no exception,” Sally Cooper, home manager at Deewater Grange, told Cheshire Live.
“Everyone had a wonderful time celebrating, and Olive was particularly pleased to enjoy a very special afternoon tea.
“Olive has been living at Deewater Grange for just over a year now, and the home simply wouldn’t be the same without her. Olive’s wonderful outlook on life never fails to make us smile and her quick wit definitely keeps us on our toes.”
But what exactly does Olive credit her long life to then? What is her secret?
Known at the home for her beaming smile and brilliant sense of humour, when asked this question, Olive comically responds: “Avoid talking to strange men, and you’ll be just fine.”
Football's coming home to Millennium Square as England take on Argentina in the World Cup semi-final.
If you're still looking for a spot to cheer on the boys in the football this Wednesday then hang fire, because Leeds City Council have got us covered.
Following the Three Lions’ triumphant victory against Norway on Saturday evening, the council have announced that Millennium Square will host a World Cup 2026 fanzone at the heart of Leeds city centre.
Supporters will have the chance to cheer on star boy Jude Bellingham and the team with all the action shown live on a high-definition giant LED screen with concert style sound, all set within a bespoke outdoor arena.
Two large bars and street food concessions will be provided on site together with toilet and drinking water facilities.
Entry is strictly by advance ticket only and is a standing only event. Gates open at 6pm with kick-off scheduled for 8pm BST with live DJ pre match entertainment.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy said “The whole country is behind England and it’s fantastic that fans will have the chance to come together and enjoy this incredible occasion in the open air at the heart of the city centre.
"The atmosphere on Millennium Square is always a one-of-a-kind and probably the closest you can get to being there. Leeds is a city that’s always had a massive passion for sport, and I know the fans will do England proud as we cheer them on in what will hopefully be another memorable win.”
Tickets are priced at £6 per person an go on sale at 10am on Monday 13 July via www.millsqleeds.com.
Plans to turn one of Leeds’ most historic buildings into padel courts approved
Clementine Hall
One of Leeds’ most iconic buildings is set to be brought back to life.
Plans for a brand-new padel and leisure destination at The Roundhouse on Wellington Road have been approved by Leeds City Council’s West Plans Panel.
Consent has been granted for Ollo Padel to transform the Grade II* listed Roundhouse into a state-of-the-art sport, fitness, food, drink and community venue subject to conditions and completion of a Section 106 agreement.
Built in 1847 for the Leeds and Thirsk Railway Company, The Roundhouse was once home to the steam locomotives that powered industrial Victorian Leeds. In recent years, the building has stood largely unused.
Image: Supplied
The approved plans will restore and protect the landmark building and give the site a new, long-term future as one of the city’s most distinctive leisure destinations.
The three-acre site, located on the edge of Leeds city centre, will include nine outdoor doubles padel courts under a 10-metre canopy, plus a dedicated indoor coaching court within The Roundhouse itself.
At the heart of the site will be the Ollo Clubhouse; built around an all-day kitchen and bar, it will combine a comfortable lounge and co-working space, meeting rooms and live sport and events spaces.
The kitchen and bar will be run in partnership with Southbank Provisions, the independent Leeds hospitality team behind Headrow House, Belgrave Music Hall and Galleria whilst the gym will be operated by fitness and performance specialists Northbound, who will bring strength and conditioning practice, Hyrox training and pilates classes to The Roundhouse.
Image: Supplied
Construction is expected to begin later this year, with the venue aiming to open in early 2027.
Luke Gidney, Founder & CEO Ollo Padel: "This is a huge day for Leeds, for The Roundhouse and for Ollo. The Roundhouse has been part of the city’s story for nearly 180 years. It’s an incredible building but it needs people, energy and purpose again. Our plan is to bring it back to life as a place where people can play, eat, work, meet friends and feel part of something.
"Padel is growing so quickly because it’s fun, social and easy to pick up. But for us, this is about more than just the courts. We want Ollo to become a proper community destination for Leeds, somewhere welcoming, joyful and full of life.
"We’re incredibly grateful to Leeds City Council’s planning team, our case officer, the wider council team and everyone who has supported the project to this point. This has been a complex project but the sport and engagement throughout has been brilliant. Now the real work starts and we cannot wait to open the doors for you.”
The Hoot -
20th January 2023 
