On Sunday 10th February, St Chads Cathedral held a special celebration for parishioner Alice Milton, for her 100th birthday.

A regular worshipper at St Chad's, Alice has lived all her life in Ladywood. She was a confirmed, had communion and was a regular worshipper at St Peter's Church on Broad Street, now long gone like many of the buildings Alice would have recognised.

Growing up with her parents and her brothers, George, John and Albert, she has led a full and active life throughout her many years in Ladywood.

She trained as a florist on Five Ways before working as a bus conductor during the war in the darkened streets of Birmingham, recognising the route the bus in the blackout and often taking shelter with a bus full of passengers under the bridges as the air raid sirens were wailing to alert the city of a raid.

After working for many years as a florist. Alice didn't take retirement as an opportunity to take it easy. For over thirty years she volunteered as a helper at the St Mary's Hospice shop in Selly Oak where she made many friends.

Her brother, Albert was also a volunteer, mending electrical goods which, over the years no doubt, raised thousands of pounds for the continued work at the hospice.

All of this work was recognised when she was invited to Buckingham Palace to meet The Queen at one of her summer garden parties.

Her warmth and friendship has welcomed many people who have met her and let us hope she continues to be a regular worshipper at St Chad's.