A TEXTILES expert who trained in dress-making, millinery and even made curtains for stately homes owned by the Royal Family celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends.
Doris Thornton marked the marvellous milestone at Heathbrook House in Bromsgrove where she now lives.
Like HM The Queen, who she received a card from, she celebrated on two different dates. On Saturday she toasted the occasion with her family who journeyed from America, Wales, Shropshire, Ross-on-Wye and on Tuesday she partied with friends and fellow residents.
Doris, born in Erdington on August 30, 1916, was the second youngest of six and, like her sisters, explored experimental hair and clothing styles, training in millinery and as a corsetiere, becoming a dressmaker.
In 1941, while Britain was at war with Germany, she married Harold Thornton, a professional Aston Villa footballer who also served in the Royal Navy for five years.
Doris and Harold had daughter June, who lives with husband Malcolm in California. Doris also has two granddaughters and three great grandchildren.
The ever-adventurous Doris and Harold travelled through Europe and America throughout their marriage.
She has always also taken great pride in her appearance, enjoyed Turkish baths, Spas and treatments for her hair and nails and loved her weekly trips to the cinema with Harold who would buy her a box of chocolates on each visit.
They lived in Birmingham until the 1960s before moving to Droitwich.
With her positive attitude and cheeky sense of humour, Doris continues to live life to the fullest.
