Miss Betty Lewis is looking forward to celebrating her 100th birthday in January. Having a father who was a blacksmith, and a niece, Judy Brown, with whom she walked or cycled to numerous horse shows, she has spent much of her life in the presence of horses, but she has never learnt to ride.

At the age of 99 Miss Lewis felt it was perhaps a little late in life to learn, however, she felt it would be a dream come true to be able to drive a horse and carriage.

As a resident at Brighterkinds Ross Court, Mrs Auty and her team approached the carriage driving division of the Riding for the Disabled Association based in Newnham on Severn for help. They were delighted to assist in making a dream come true, for Miss Lewis, who they described as ‘an inspirational lady’.

Miss Lewis, accompanied by her niece, enjoyed a ride through the village and along the side of the River Severn. Having not ridden in a pony and trap for 75 years Miss Lewis said she ‘couldn’t believe it was happening, and ‘felt she was in a dream’. Before leaving, having thanked all of the team at the RDA Centre, Miss Lewis insisted on personally thanking the most important member of the team, Tom the horse, who pulled the carriage.

Mrs Auty told the Ross Gazette:?“At almost 100, Miss Lewis inspires everyone she meets and despite her age is determined to enjoy every day and opportunity offered. She is now thinking how to celebrate the day itself.”