'It's wonderful my mum can view time capsule artefacts from the year she was born'

Joan, 99, invited to look at treasures buried by King George V

- Sentinel Reporter

A GREAT-grandmother from Stoke-on-Trent - who celebrates her 100th birthday this year - has been given the chance to view the contents of a time capsule buried in the city in the year she was born.

Joan Alberta Hopwood, 99, was born just four months after King George V buried a time capsule during a visit to the former North Staffordshire Royal Infirmary in June 1925.

Almost a century later, she was invited by University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) to view the capsule's contents as part of their week-long City of Stoke Centenary celebrations.

Born in Blackpool but now living in Penkhull, Joan moved to the Potteries during the Second World War after surviving the London Blitz, before starting a family and career in the NHS.

As well as three children of her own, Joan has six grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

She said: “My grandparents were circus people and parents in showbusiness, so as an only child I went with them whilst they toured the country.