The doom-laden predictions of an Edwardian doctor failed to come true in spectacular fashion on Friday when Lily Fice celebrated her 100th birthday. So difficult was Mrs Fice's birth on Dartmoor on April 28, 1906, that the doctor who delivered her left the family with a death certificate so sure was he that the baby wouldn't survive and he didn't want the bother of a return visit. Having defied the good doctor she went on to work as secretary at Symonds Cider, Totnes, and survived her husband who, having narrowly avoided death when his ship was torpedoed, died of malaria in 1942. According to Ken Bamsey, assistant manager at Kenwyn residential home, Ashburton, where Mrs Fice has lived since 1994, the highlight of her birthday was the Queen's congratulatory message she received. 'Her eyes really lit up when she was told she might be getting one,' he said. An afternoon party complete with a singer and organist and attended by Mrs Fice's son and daughter-in-law from Lincolnshire, town dignitaries and Kenwyn staff past and present, also went down well. 'Lily's as bright as a button and according to her son she's always been easy to get on with and never known to complain about anything,' said Mr Bamsey. 'And apparently the secret of her longevity is – you've guessed it – a tot of whisky before bedtime.'
