From facing down the guns of a Luftwaffe pilot to carefree days of ballroom dances, Joyce Knock's life has been one of hard work, good times, plenty of love and the occasional drama.
And now family, friends and local councillors have come together to congratulate her on a special milestone - her 100th birthday.
Joyce said she was "gobsmacked" by the gathering at the Meeting Point day care centre in Dereham, the town she has lived in most of her life, on Ocrtober 13.
“I did not expect a reception like that,” she said.
“I come to the Meeting Point almost every day.
"I have been in a few clubs in my life, but never one which offers this level of friendship and care, it is exceptional.”
Meeting Point staff donned fancy dress to show off the different eras Joyce has lived through, from the 1920s all the way through to the present day.
There was tea and cake and entertainment aplenty and people gathered around to help the new centenarian celebrate.
Joyce spent her earliest years in Bungay, before her family her to Dereham.
Her mum sold a grandfather clock for £7 in order to buy a milk business.
By the summer of 1938, Joyce had set her heart on becoming a school teacher, but she ended up helping the family firm.
The next year brought with it the Second World War and since her dad had been crippled in the First World War, 16-year-old Joyce had to play a great role.
She became a milk woman, delivering fresh milk every day of the year including Christmas, on her pony and trap.
Her rounds covered Dereham, Yaxham, and Toftwood and she worked from 7am to 5pm.
Joyce said that six years of hard physical work helped her in later life as she has never suffered from arthritis or any long-term health condition.
But it did leave her with a wartime memory she can never forget - the day she could have been shot down by the guns of a Luftwaffe pilot.
“This German plane was so low I could see the young man inside and I almost waved before I caught myself.
“His machine gun started, and I thought, ‘Well I had a good life’, but he stopped before he hit me.
"I was a redhead at the time, so I’ve always thought he must have had a thing for gingers.''
Joyce married twice, with the love of her life being Derek, who died in 2006.
She had moved back in with her parents after her first marriage, and regularly went ballroom dancing with a group of friends.
That is where she met Derek, from Litcham, during what she said was "a lovely time in my life."
Joyce said: “I feel very blessed to have lived this long and to have such good health, my only advice for people would be, do what makes you happy.”
Among those who gathered to congratulate Joyce on the milestone were Breckland councillors Alison Webb, Ray O'Callaghan and Harry Clarke, as well as town mayor Hugh King.
Mr Clarke said it was "wonderful" to see Joyce in such good spirits.
He said: "She has a marvellous spirit, and energy, and is clearly up for a party.
"She puts some of us to shame, and it was so great to see so many people there today at the Meeting Point to celebrate her."
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