Carys NallyWest of England
Mandy PopeA centenarian who “believes in cream cakes” is celebrating her birthday at her favourite cafe.
Margaret Montagu, who is turning 103, will be settling in for a birthday meal with friends at M&M cafe in Somerton, Somerset, later.
She broken her hip during a fall last year but is determined to make it back to the cafe for her birthday, where she will celebrate by eating a Victoria Sponge with cream and strawberry jam.
Mandy Pope, owner of the cafe, said of her friend: “She eats them like anything – they reckon cream is bad for you, well I don’t think so.”
Margaret, who has lived in Somerton for most of her life, is a popular figure in the community and will have at least seven people rallying around her later.
Pope said: “She’s got this little red buggy, and I’ve actually had people come into the cafe as ask if the woman with the red buggy would be in today.
“They actually come in and ask if she’ll be in because they just think she’s amazing.”
Mandy PopeNikki Kelly, Margaret’s cleaner and carer, told the BBC that the 103-year-old is “amazed” she’s still here today.
“She doesn’t look her age, she looks about 20 years younger.
“She sets herself goals all the time – her goal is to get back on the scooter, to make herself a cup of tea.”
The mother-of-three served in the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS) in Wales during her life, and is still keen on keeping to the rules.
Kelly said: “She is very organised – she has her routines so she’s capable to doing things.”
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way – that’s her mantra.”
