Christine raises a glass to toast 105th birthday

November 5th 2011

The great-grandmother celebrated with her family around her at New Park House, in Chivelstone Grove, Trentham, yesterday. She raised a glass of champagne and opened her second telegram from the Queen to mark the special occasion. The mother-of-two, who has three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, was born in Halesowen, in Dudley, in 1906. She married John, who was known as George, in 1934 and they had two daughters Christine and Judy. The pair moved to New Park House residential home in 1989 where they spent many happy years together. George, who was a former accountant, died in 1997, aged 89. Christine started her teaching career at the age of 20 and spent time at schools in Birmingham, London, Cambridge and Norwich before retiring at the age of 65. She claims the secret to her long life is clean and healthy living. She said: "I have had a very healthy life and have never touched a drop of alcohol or smoked cigarettes. "I have been lucky never to have any illnesses and I would like to thank my family and friends for all the support they have given me over the years." Mrs Hallam admits she was a strict teacher who regularly used soap and water to rinse out her pupils' mouths if they were caught using bad language. Her daughter, Christine Casey, aged 71, who now lives in the south of France, said: "She was a strict teacher and even now when I see some of her ex-pupils, they can still remember her all those years ago. She used to send them out of the classroom. "Teaching is all she ever knew. It was her whole life." In her spare time, Christine enjoyed reading and playing golf and was an active member of a number of business and professional women's clubs. Mrs Casey said: "She isn't as active as she used to be but she is in good health which is something we should be grateful for." Her youngest daughter, 64-year-old Judy Coulstock,who lives in Bedfordshire, added: "Mum was devoted to dad and they did everything together. They even taught together for a short while." Staff at New Park Housee presented Christine with a cake. Lifestyle co-ordinator Pat Phillips said: "She is absolutely wonderful and has still got a brilliant sense of humour. "She is a remarkable woman who should celebrate her wonderful life." BIRTHDAY GIRL: Christine Hallam and, right, on her wedding day in 1934 with husband George.