108 year old Londoner reveals secret to a long and happy life

Mary Ann Clifton, known as Rosina
Author: Louise EastonPublished 17th Mar 2023

A 108 year old from south London says the key to a long and happy life is "a tipple at lunchtime".

When asked what her secret was Mary Ann Clifton, known as Rosina, encouraged a midday "tipple."

"(It's) never done me any harm," she said.

"Work hard but party harder - a bit of hard work won't hurt you."

Ms Clifton was born on March 16 1915 in Lambeth and after finishing school, followed her passion for fashion.

She worked as a clothing cutter and later at her daughter's printing business.

Ms Clifton met her future husband, Ernie, at school when they were just 12 years old and the pair now share two children, Pamela and Bernie, four grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Mary Ann Clifton, known as Rosina

Her care home helped the great great grandmother celebrate her milestone, but putting on an afternoon tea and reading out the birthday card sent by The King.

Home manager at Foxbridge House Stella Barnes said:

"Rosina is a much-loved and popular resident... It was fantastic to help her celebrate this incredible milestone.

"It's not often that you celebrate your 108th birthday, so the team quickly got to work on planning a surprise afternoon tea party where we read out the King's birthday card message and enjoyed scones with jam and cream.

"We love any excuse to celebrate the amazing people living here at Foxbridge House and Rosina's 108th birthday was certainly no exception."

Mary Ann Clifton, known as Rosina

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