By Salma El-Sakka
British grandmother Dora Horsfall, who turned 105 on Monday, says her secret to a long life is a daily siesta. Born in London on 2 November 1921, Horsfall now lives at Flowers Manor Care Home in Chippenham, near Salisbury.
A Life Spanning History
Horsfall has lived through the Second World War, the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, and 24 different prime ministers at 10 Downing Street. "Some of us have short lives, some of us have long lives," she said. "But it's what we do in that time that matters."
Early Hardships and War Work
After her father left and the family fell into poverty, Horsfall and her brother Jack were sent to a West London District boarding school. At 13 she moved to Salisbury, returning to London at 18 where she met her future husband, Rig. During the war she worked as a bus conductress before joining a secret factory producing Spitfire aircraft.
Marriage, Spain, and Return to the UK
The couple married in Croydon on 23 December 1941, settled in Salisbury, and raised two daughters, Pat and Betty. After 45 years in Salisbury, they moved to southern Spain for 18 years. Following Rig's death, Horsfall returned to the UK, lived with her daughters, and moved into the care home in 2022.
Daily Siesta Routine
"She has a siesta every day, even when we were little ones," said her granddaughter Mandy Cheeseman. "I think that could be why she's so well preserved. She's fun, she's got a wicked laugh."
105th Birthday Celebration
Horsfall marked her 105th birthday with a violin performance by Sue Lord, who played wartime favourite "It's a Long Way to Tipperary" -- a nod to Rig's hometown. Guests enjoyed afternoon tea and a strawberry-vanilla cake, and Horsfall opened a birthday card from King Charles and Camilla.
Reflections on Inventions and Family
Asked about the greatest invention of her lifetime, Horsfall chose elastic, noting its use in underwear but adding it still has room for improvement. She is now a grandmother of seven, great-grandmother of nine, and great-great-grandmother of four.
