Centenarians of McKenzie: Emily

We had the privilege of sitting down with our most recent Centenarians to learn about their life stories, secrets to longevity and words of wisdom.

Meet Seaton Place resident, Emily.

What are some of your earliest memories?

“I have a couple of early memories. When I turned eleven years old I remember getting lots of presents for my birthday. The other memory I have was that I was always getting into trouble and fights at school!”

Can you tell me about your childhood and where you grew up?

“I grew up in Wasgham, England and it was a lovely place to grow up. It was a country area and my family bred Spaniels so we spent the days looking after them. Although I do remember there were times we went out to play when we were meant to be looking after the Spaniels.”

What was your family like?

“My father, Christopher and my mother, Sarah were both English. I had a brother, John William but we called him Jack and two sisters, Ester and Edith. Edith is still alive and is older than me!“

How did you meet your spouse?

“I met my husband Fred at a dance, and we got married in Blackpool in 1947. We went dancing every Friday night. Fred was a RAF officer so we moved about a lot. We lived in Singapore, Aden in Yemen and in Cyprus.”

What was your profession? Did you enjoy it?

“After I left school, I went to work in a weaving mill. The weaving shed had four looms in it and I worked until I got fed up with it and left. I also worked as a nurse and did cleaning.”

What was the biggest challenge you faced in your life, and how did you overcome it?

“I don’t think I have faced any particular challenge, things would come my way and I would deal with them and just carry on.”

What is the most significant historical event that you experienced, and how did it affect you?

“The most significant historical event for me was the Second World War. After bombs had dropped I would have to go around and check on everyone and see if they needed help or were okay. We thought the war days were good because everyone helped each other out. Us girls liked the war because there were always plenty of fellas about. My sister had land behind her house and let it to the American Airforce and we would sneak up to their camp.”

Can you tell me about your hobbies and interests throughout your life?

“Fred and I would go to the dances every Friday night and I also recall bicycle riding between the bombs! I used to like playing all sorts of sports, like Football and Badminton. I used to like all the boy’s games, so my mother used to call me ‘Tommy’.”

What invention(s) during your lifetime do you consider to be the most life changing?

“The most life changing invention was electricity! You could just press the button and it would do what you wanted it to!”

Who was your favourite Prime Minister?

“My favourite Prime Minister is Winston Churchill as he did the things that he said he would do.”

What advice would you give to younger generations?

“The best advice I have to give is be good and look after your mother.”

Looking back on your life, what are you most proud of?

“I am most proud of having my first baby. I had three children: Rodney, Paul and Jan.”