Agnes – 2002
Agnes Vickers, born in 1901 in Mexborough on High Street, is the wife of George Arthur Walker who is my second cousin, thrice removed. Agnes and George married in 1923, in Saint John the Baptist Church, Mexborough.
Below are newspaper articles pertaining to Agnes’s extraordinary longevity.
ROTHERHAM ADVERTISER, FRIDAY, MARCH 8th, 2002
Roman centenarian
A CENTENARIAN celebrated her 101st birthday this week.
High Street, Mexborough
Agnes Walker marked her big day on Wednesday with a celebration at Mexborough’s Roman Court Residential Home, where she now lives.
Mrs Walker, who was born in the town, has four children-the late Dorothy, who died 12 years ago, daughters Betty and Margaret, and a son, Barry. She also has five grandchildren plus great-grandchildren.
Married to George, a Kilnhurst miner, for 49 years, Agnes was widowed in 1972 and lived in Station Street, Griffin Road and Harrop Gardens, Swinton, before moving to Roman Court three years ago.
Saint John the Baptist, Mexborough
She went into service at the age of 13 and remained there until her marriage to George ten years later.
Agnes celebrated this week with a party at the home.
THE ADVERTISER, FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 2006
Agnes has the secret to long life
A CENTENARIAN who claims the secret to a long life is “hard work and no pleasure” has broken her rule to celebrate her 105th birthday with a party.
Agnes – 2006
Agnes Walker marked her milestone birthday on Monday with a tea party with her friends at Roman Court Residential Home in Mexborough.
Mrs Walker was born in Mexborough and had four children – the late Dorothy, who died 16 years ago, daughters Betty and Margaret, and a son, Barry.
She also has five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Married to George, a Kilnhurst miner, for 49 years, Agnes was widowed in 1972 and lived in Station Street, Griffin Road and Harrop Gardens, Swinton, before moving to Roman Court seven years ago.
Station Street, Swinton
She went into service at the age of 13 and remained there until her marriage to George ten years later.
Her daughter Margaret Gillespie (68), of Kilnhurst, described her as very generous with a great sense of humour.
“My mother’s health is fine,” said Margaret.
“She has dementia, but it isn’t that bad. She’s very mobile.
Griffin Road
“People used to ask her years ago, when she was in her 80s and 90s, what her secret was to a long life and she’d say “hard work and no pleasure.”
Margaret added: “She’s a very generous woman and is funny. She has everyone in stitches at the nursing home.”
THE ADVERTISER, FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2007
You’re never too old for fatty bacon and bread and dripping
One of South Yorkshire’s oldest residents celebrated her 106th birthday this week.
Harrop Garden Flats (above shops)
Agnes Walker (pictured above), who has lived at Roman Court care home in Mexborough since 1998, enjoyed an afternoon of celebrations on Tuesday complete with a buffer including her favourite food, Black Forest gateau.
Agnes was born and brought up in Mexborough and went into service at the age of 13. She later worked in service in Bradford, where she met her husband, George.
The couple had four children and Roman Court manager Gwen Bates said that Agnes also has numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Roman Court Residential Home, Mexborough
The orchestra and choir from Mexborough School serenaded Agnes on her special day and Mrs Bates said: “She really, really enjoyed the music and we all sang happy birthday to her.”
Agnes, who was toasted with sparkling wine, attributes her long life to healthy eating and hard work – although she does have a liking for fatty bacon and bread and dripping.
Dearne Valley Weekender, Friday, April 13, 2007
Agnes – 2007
WALKER
Agnes
Suddenly but peacefully in the tender care of Roman Court Care Home on Tuesday, April 10th 2007, Agnes aged 106 of Mexborough. Much loved mother of Margaret and Barrie, a dear mother in law and a loving grandma and great grandma. Service at Rotherham Crematorium on Wednesday, April 18th at 12.20pm. Family flowers only please, donations in lieu made payable to Roman Court Comfort Fund may be sent c/o C T Butterfield & Sons, 1-7 Wood Street, Swinton S64 8BA.
South Yorkshire Times, April 19, 2007
WALKER, Agnes, 106, of Mexborough, died on April 10, died in Roman Court Care Home. The funeral service took place at Rotherham Crematorium on April 18, conducted by Mr P Fawcett.
Rotherham Crematorium
Dearne Valley Weekender, Friday, April 20, 2007
WALKER – The death occurred on April 10th 2007 at Roman Court Care Home of Mrs Agnes Walker aged 106 years of Mexborough. The funeral service took place at Rotherham Crematorium followed by cremation on Wednesday April 18th conducted by Mr Philip Fawcett. Mourners were immediate family, relatives, friends and neighbours. Funeral arrangements were by C. T. Butterfield & Sons, The Funeral Home, Wood Street, Swinton. 01709 571777.
WEEK 42 