Gwendoline Beatrice King of The Lea has been celebrating her 100th Birthday in style - she had a lunch and tea party with her friends in the 'Beehive' club on November 21st, and another party at 'The Chase' hotel on Saturday, November 24th when 90 people gathered to celebrate Gwen's long life and achievements. Born in Birmingham on November 23rd 1907 to John and Martha Randle, she attended Erdington Grammar School matriculating with credits. Her first job was in the offices of the Great Western Railway. During World War II Gwen was employed at the Birmingham Small Arms factory. Her husband, whom she married in August 1932, was Leslie King. He served in the war as a Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Air Force. Following the war, Gwen was a clerical officer in Birmingham. She worked the Health Insurance in the City centre, and then her department transferred to Erdington, where she worked in the post room and accounts department until retiring at 65. She was also chairwoman of the staff association. Gwen has three daughters Barbara, Tricia and Valerie, eight grandchildren and eleven great- grandchildren. She moved to The Lea primarily to help her eldest daughter and husband when they bought the 'The Crown', which they renamed 'The Penny Farthing' at Aston Crews. Gwen enjoys knitting and crochet and she still finds time to do the crosswords in the 'Take a break' magazine. Her family visit and keep in touch constantly. Although most of the family have moved away, she has remained in Lea, living with her brother Jack until his death. She has travelled to the USA to visit her grandson and great-grandchildren, and until quite recently, she has visited relatives in Birmingham, Wales and Derbyshire.
