Nola Manley has lived through the Hawke’s Bay earthquake, World War II and the Great Depression, so she took the appearance of the Mayor of Hastings at her 100^th birthday celebrations today in her stride.

Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst brought Nola flowers and they enjoyed a long chat together. Nola has clear and detailed memories of local people and places, including the Mayor’s family.

Nola has lived nearly all her life in Havelock North and still lives independently. Her energy and independence is inspirational - she was still driving her blue VW up until a year ago. Before the celebration this morning she joined a regular Strength & Balance class at Enliven’s Havelock North Day Programme at JH Mason Village.

She did not marry or have children, to which she partly attributes her longevity.

After Nola left Hastings High School (then co-ed), she “got busy straight away”, working in a cake shop and then many years in shoe shops before mandatory retirement – forty years ago - from an office job at Farm Products in Hastings.

Enliven Day programmes offer a social meeting place, activities and a chance to make new friends. The regular sessions in Havelock North (JH Mason Village) Hastings (Pakowhai Road) are a highlight for many clients who may otherwise find themselves socially isolated at home.