St Helena : Mrs Hilda Clingham 100 and Feeling “Great”
Submitted by Saint Helena Herald (Public Relations Information Office) 29.07.2010 (Article Archived on 19.08.2010)

“ I feel great” are the words of an amazing lady, Mrs Hilda Clingham who, on Friday, 23rd July 2010, celebrated her 100th Birthday.

100 and Feeling “Great”

“ I feel great” are the words of an amazing lady, Mrs Hilda Clingham who, on Friday, 23^rd July 2010, celebrated her 100^th Birthday.

To honour this dear lady on such a momentous occasion, His Excellency the Governor and Mrs Gurr hosted afternoon tea at Plantation House for Mrs Clingham, her family and friends and a small group of her carers from the Community Care Centre at Half Tree Hollow where she is currently residing.

In the dining room of Plantation House, decorated especially for the occasion with balloons and beautiful floral arrangements and, in extremely good health and a witty sense of humour, Mrs Clingham took the honoured seat at the head of the table, surrounded by her family (five generations in all), His Excellency and Mrs Gurr.  

In front of her, taking pride of place was a beautifully decorated iced cake with a photo image of the lady herself adorning the top.  So pleased was she to see her image iced on the cake that she said “I don’t think we should cut the cake because it’s so beautiful, maybe we should leave if for next time”!

Following his congratulations and good wishes, echoing the sentiments of all present and, a hearty rendition of Happy Birthday, His Excellency read a special message to Mrs Clingham from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll which said:

            “ I am so pleased to know that you are celebrating your one hundredth Birthday on 23^rd July, 2010.  I send my congratulations and best wishes to you on such a special occasion.

                                                Elizabeth R”.

Mrs Clingham thanked the Governor for the Queen’s message and her family for being with her on her one hundredth birthday and said:

“I’m very happy to be here with the Governor and his wife and all my family and friends.  Thank you all”.

Mrs Clingham was also very pleased that she had been transported to Plantation House in the Governor’s car, driven by granddaughter Debbie, Residence Manager of Plantation House.

From all on St Helena we extend our congratulations and very best wishes to Mrs Clingham on reaching such a milestone in her life and we certainly hope that she will enjoy many more happy birthdays in good health.

Public Relations/Information Office

Office of the Chief Secretary

27 July 2010

Press Release

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