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Fruit helps Hilda live to ripe old age

3/ 9/2008

HILDA Hardcastle could teach children a thing or two about healthy living.

She reckons eating plenty of fuit and veg accounts for the fact that she is about to turn 100.

Hilda’s family is holding a party at Bradbury Community House on Saturday tomorrow (Friday) to mark the special occasion.

Her daughter Hilda Hatch, who was named after her mum and lives in Simmondley, said: "She is very independent.

"She still lives in her own home and cooks her own meals. She says having ‘proper’ food every day, with plenty of fruit and vegetables, is one reason for her living so long. She sometimes rings me and says, ‘I’ve just done my ironing.’ I might have to go over it as her eyesight isn’t perfect, but she did have laser treatment earlier in the year. She doesn’t drink as she is on tablets for blood pressure.  Apart from that she is amazingly fit — in fact she’s better than me!"

Hilda, 67, has compiled a ‘This Is Your Life’ booklet for the 100th birthday celebration.

She believes her mum — who has four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren — could well be the oldest resident in Gamesley, where she moved to from Hulme in Manchester when the estate was built 40 years ago.

The birthday girl married husband Frank in 1937 and they also had a son, Roy, who is 63. She worked as a letterpress printer with Manchester firm Jessie Broads for 50 years.

Frank died in 1958 and Hilda had to continue working, as the widow’s pension then was just 10 shillings (50p) a week.

Hilda also used to knit blankets for various community groups in Gamesley including the luncheon club, which she still regularly attends.