THERE were extra special celebrations for one family during the festive period as Eva Barlow celebrated her 100th birthday on Christmas Eve.Mrs Barlow celebrated the occasion with family and friends at Broadlands, Borrow Road, Oulton Broad.

THERE were extra special celebrations for one family during the festive period as Eva Barlow celebrated her 100th birthday on Christmas Eve.

Mrs Barlow celebrated the occasion with family and friends at Broadlands, Borrow Road, Oulton Broad.

She has lived at the residential home for the past five years and takes a full part in the social activities there.

Mrs Barlow was born in Towlers Court on Elm Hill in Norwich and is proud to be 'a good old Norfolk gal!'

One of her first memories is being on holiday at Great Yarmouth but having to return home early when the First World War was declared.

She still remembers going with her brother to see the soldiers and horses parading in Norwich before heading to France.

After attending the Girls Modern School in Norwich Mrs Barlow learned to play the violin and was a member of a number of orchestras in the Norwich area.

Mrs Barlow has enjoyed music all her life and during the 1950s was a member of a concert party that toured Norfolk playing for old people.