It was an age before technicolour television, the ballpoint pen and even sliced bread.

And now just days away from her 100th birthday, Joan Simpson never imagined she would see the advent of drones, computers and the internet.

Born in Norwich to parents Oswald and Rosa, she attended Dowson Infants School where her artistic talent was soon discovered, and she flourished in the creative arts throughout her school days. 

Joan with her mother and brother on a beach holiday on the Norfolk coastJoan with her mother and brother on a beach holiday on the Norfolk coast (Image: Gill Green)

Joan during the war yearsJoan during the war years (Image: Gill Green)

Joan was even put forward to go to Norwich Art School, now Norwich University of the Arts, but she found the building very intimidating so ultimately turned the opportunity down. 

However, she carried on with drawing and painting throughout her adult life.

READ MORE: Much-loved manager of Norwich pub leaving after 30 years

"After school, I went into the boot and shoe industry, as many Norwich people did," she said.

"And during the Second World War I attended many dances in the city and on local air bases where I  would get up and sing with the concert band playing.

Joan and Walter on their wedding dayJoan and Walter on their wedding day (Image: Gill Green)

"I have fond memories of the American pilots."

Joan then met her future husband, Walter, and they married in 1946, soon to be followed by the birth of their two children, Janet and Gillian, in 1949 and 1959 respectively.

READ MORE: Pub given permission to change its name as part of rebrand

Joan continued to work in the city's shoe factories until tragedy struck in 1983 when Joan lost Walter to a stroke. She was 58 at the time and never remarried.

She retired from factory life at 60 and decided to devote her time to her five grandchildren and part-time work in the catering industry. 

Joan nearing 100 at Homestead House Joan nearing 100 at Homestead House (Image: Gill Green)

Following a dementia diagnosis in 2016, Joan moved into Homestead House in Old Catton where she continues to live today.

According to her daughter Gillian, she still likes to sing Second World War songs and knows all the words, 80 years later.

She will turn 100 on July 2 and will celebrate it with friends and family with a "do" at Homestead House.