Happy 107th Birthday Edna

Edna Walmsley, whose life has spanned the reigns of five British monarchs, is a remarkable centenarian born during the First World War. She recently celebrated her 107th birthday with an afternoon tea party attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Hyndburn.

Edna marked the milestone event on Monday, October 9th, at Pendle Brook Care Home in Oswaldtwistle. A former school cook who has an amazing memory enjoyed yoga into her late 90’s and only moved into Pendle Brook 3 and a half years ago, after spending her whole life in Great Harwood, lately with the support of her children. The great-grandmother was born Edna Dobson in 1916 and was married at St Bartholomew’s church to Clifford Walmsley.

Her life has now spanned the reigns of five British monarchs, and she has witnessed momentous historical events, including two world wars, the 1919 flu pandemic and most recently, the Covid pandemic. Edna loved Great Harwood, where she brought up her three children – Andrew, Adrienne and Alyson and thoroughly enjoyed her work as a school cook, combining this with bringing up her family. Her passion has always been for reading, especially poetry, reflecting an enduring love for language.

“Her passion has always been for reading, especially poetry, reflecting an enduring love for language.”

For years, she spent many hours completing the Daily Telegraph crossword. Pendle Brook’s Activity Coordinator Claire Rothwell said, “She has an amazing long-term memory and is able to recite word-for-word poetry, which she learned at school.” Another passionate interest has been cooking and baking, and Edna made the most delicious cakes well into her 90s. She has enjoyed travelling too – both in this country and worldwide, visiting Vienna and Dusseldorf following her first foreign experience travelling by herself to India.

She has three grandsons, Christopher, Stephen and Nicholas and four great-grandchildren, Fred, Alice, Jack and Finn. At the party with family and friends Edna opened her cards and presents and enjoyed a delicious birthday cake as she was toasted with champagne.

Claire said, “She has a keen eye and sense of humour and is an absolute pleasure to be with.” Edna is a truly remarkable person who is dearly loved by her family and friends and all those who care for her. She can’t quite believe she is 107 but attributes it to good living, a healthy diet, her wonderful parents and the incredible support of her family and friends.

NorthernLife Nov/Dec 23