‘I can’t say I feel 20 but I feel, well, normal’: Former bus conductress turns 100

By Kelsey McCabe

A former bus conductress celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends last week.

Lillian Stromdale, a resident at Mary Holben House in Thrale Road, Streatham, said: “I don’t feel 100, I feel as though I’m cheating! 

“I can’t say I feel 20 but I feel, well, normal. 

“It’s a bit of a surprise, but I’m pleased to have reached 100.”

Ms Stromdale, born in the East End of London in 1924, worked in factories for most of her working life, although she also passed a stint as a bus conductress during the 1950s and said that she enjoyed the job.

Miss Stromdale’s loved ones described her as tenacious and having a zest for life, as much so at 100 as when she was a teenager during the Second World War when she once refused to leave a cinema during an air raid siren because she wanted to see the end of her film.

Kim Wells, scheme housing officer at Southern Housing, said: “She’s a wonderful lady. 

“I can still remember when she moved in, she’d had a hip replacement but within a few days she was up and out and about. I think that sums up the kind of lady she is.”

Today, Ms Stromdale says she enjoys a pint of beer, dancing, and talking with her neighbors.

“My secret? To live a healthy life, try not to worry and surround yourself with good friends,” Ms Stromdale said. 

“There’s no point worrying about something if there’s nothing you can do about it. Be kind and treat others as you’d like to be treated.”

Pictured top: Lillian Stromdale holds a card from King Charles to congratulate her on her birthday (Picture: Mary Holben House)