Anniversaries

Edna is now 105 years young

Four residents at Leslie Loader Court, a sheltered housing complex run by Radian, at Eastleigh in Hampshire, recently enjoyed anniversary celebrations.

Hilda Pettyfer's perfect present on her 100th birthday was the news that Levi, her first great-great-grandchild was born the same day.

She received a congratulatory postcard from Buckingham Palace, to celebrate her birthday, on Monday, 2 May. The popular centenarian had a celebratory party with friends and family.

Hilda enjoyed a party with friends and family

Hilda was born in 1911 and left school at 14 to become a housekeeper, where she earned a paltry five shillings a week. She married at 21 and was very happy, although sadly her husband died 21 years ago. She has a married son, a grand-daughter and one great grandson. She moved into Radian’s sheltered accommodation in 2009.

Mrs Edna Small was an amazing 105 on Monday, 9 May. Born in 1906, Edna, celebrated the occasion with family, friends and residents. She has lived at Leslie Loader Court for 24 years and has two daughters, six grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and is currently awaiting the birth of her first great great grandchild.

She studied nursing before working as a Ward Sister, nursing among others the celebrated Battle of Britain Spitfire designer R. J. Mitchell.

Edna fell in love with Robert Small as a teenager but was denied the chance to marry when her father put his foot down and they each went on the marry other people.

The pair were reunited after they each lost their respective spouses. When Edna was 92, Robert proposed with the same ring he had given her 75 years before. They were married for two years until Robert died in 2000.

Robert and Betty married in 1961

Robert and Betty Davis celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary on Friday, 20 May. The couple who married the same year as a youthful John F Kennedy was elected president of the USA, met when Betty’s father was Robert’s boss at British Railways.

They had no children but always enjoyed walking, although Betty now suffers from mobility problems. They have lived at Leslie Loader Court for three months and say they love it there. The couple, who celebrated their anniversary with residents, say their recipe for a long and happy marriage is simple: “Remember to give and take”.