Kineton community comes together for special 100th birthday sing-along

Louisa Hill has lived in Kineton for the last 22 years where her son, Alan and daughter-in-law, Jane Hill live.

She said:"It's fantastic to have all these people here. I don't think of myself as old as that. I can't believe it."

Elizabeth Beaumont, a Kineton resident, organised a small group of Mother's Union members to join other friends outside Louisa's home to sing her Happy Birthday. Elizabeth also presented Louisa with a corsage from the local Mother's Union chapter for her to wear on her birthday.

Elizabeth said: "Louisa is a very loyal member of the Mother's Union."

After the birthday song Alan said: "I have not physically kissed my mother for three months so I'm going to break the rule today and give her a kiss on her birthday."

A friend, Val Trinder, presented Louisa with a gift and card from the local Women's Circle group where Louisa had been an active member in Kineton.

Louisa also received a card from the Queen wishing her Happy Birthday.

A volunteer from the Edgehill Bell Ringers also rang the church bell at 11am at St Peter's in the village to celebrate Louisa's 100th birthday.

Louisa marked the special day with an afternoon tea in the Cotswolds with Alan and Jane this afternoon, Tuesday August 11.

She also celebrated the milestone birthday on Saturday when some family and life-long friends visited in two separate groups in order to follow social distancing rules. Louisa also enjoyed a meal out with family on Sunday August 9 at the Falcon in Warmington.

Alan said: "When we had the party on Saturday it was really weird I couldn't hug people I've known all my life."

Louisa was born in London. She later married Ronald 'Ron' Hill, and had two sons, Alan and Colin Hill.

She said: "My husband decided he wanted to live in the country so we moved to Maidstone (in Kent)."

Louisa served as a Land Girl during World War II, during which she held the role of forewoman. Before, during and after the war she also worked at a Price's Candles factory.

Louisa also worked as a secretary in the civil service until she retired to take care of her husband who had Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.

Louisa met her husband, Ron, through their involvement with amateur dramatics. The also enjoyed dancing together.

She said: "He had a lovely voice. We had a wonderful time going to dances."

The couple were married 43 years until her husband died in 1992, and her son, Colin, later died in 1995.

Louisa moved to Kineton from Maidstone.

She said: "When I came here I made myself join everything to get to know people."

When asked what's the secret to a long life Louisa said 'keeping busy' and her family and church have always been important in her life.

Louisa added: "If people are lonely they've only got to join the church and they've got friends straight away."