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Pipers play Smethwick woman into her 100th birthday

A Smethwick woman has celebrated her 100th birthday in style – walking into her party behind pipers.

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Maggie Butler being led into her party by a piper

Margaret 'Maggie' Butler had a surprise birthday party at The Royal British Legion in Oldbury on Sunday.

About 90 people attended her party, and celebrated with afternoon tea.

The great-grandmother was born in Birmingham but now lives in Smethwick at Ash Lodge Nursing Home.

Maggie Butler

Mrs Butler started work at a garage in Bearwood in the office where she stayed until it closed.

She then moved to Beer in Devon after her retirement and was there for about 15 years before moving to a flat in Langley and then to the nursing home about two years ago.

Her son, one of five, Martin, said: "It was a great day, she really enjoyed it.

"There were about 90 people there, friends and family, some old friends she used to work with many years ago too.

Margaret Butler pictured with children Sue Vanneck, Martin Butler, Judith Vaughan and Sally Harvey at her 100th birthday party at The Royal British Legion, Windsor Road, Oldbury

"She was greeted by a piper and she got out of the car and walked with a stick all the way down the drive following him.

"She's been very active most of her life and it's only been the last two years that she's been in the home, mainly for safety reasons.

"She's still got her marbles - she knows what's going on and who is who.

"She was very interested in card crafts and jewellery making up until she went into the nursing home and used to go out with friends.

"In 2006 she was given a Life Long Learning Award by Sandwell Council for various projects.

"She's been a very very good mentor to her children, we all respected her."

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