INSPIRATIONAL former Farnham resident Kathleen Green celebrated her 100th birthday on September 10 at Basingfield Court Residential Care Home in Basingstoke.

Born in Farnham, Kath grew up in Alton and her wartime entertainer parents instilled her love of music and dance from a very young age.

Kath’s mother was a pianist and her father was a drummer and they entertained the troops in the First World War as ‘The Pops’.

It was love at first sight for Kath when she met her future husband Tom one day outside the school gates. He proposed on Friday, September 1, in 1939, the first day of the Second World War, when she was 22. During the war, Kath served as an air raid warden.

One of the things Kath is most proud of in her 100 years is not her own achievements but those of her talented son, Clive. He was born shortly before the end of the war and went on to perform in the West End musical Oliver from a young boy right through into adulthood. Sadly, Clive has pre-deceased his mother.

As well as having a passion for dance, Kath has also always been very passionate about helping those less fortunate than herself. Following her husband’s death, Kath became even more active supporting those who have also experienced loss, raising money for homeless Russian refugee children.

Kath’s family has blossomed to include three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. When asked what her secret was to becoming a centenarian she said: “Always be inquisitive, always help others and dance, dance, dance!”

The Sanctuary Care home’s activities lead, Tracy Mercer, described Kath as a “lovely lady, who still has the most wonderful zest for life. She has a fantastic dry sense of humour and is sharp as a tack. Kath is a pretty amazing lady.”