A century's memories and telegram from the Queen

At 2.00 p.m. on Friday 21 February 2003 at Applethwaite Green, Windermere, Kathleen Ashmore celebrates her 100th birthday. County Councillor Joe Nicholson, Vice-Chairman of Cumbria County Council will present Kathleen with a telegram from Her Majesty the Queen at a party with friends and relatives. 

County Councillor Joe Nicholson says, 

"Kathleen was born in Huddersfield in 1903. She was very well educated and became an accomplished pianist. Kathleen had an excellent command of the French language, which led her to move to Paris in 1926 to teach English. She returned to England and in 1932 married a childhood friend, Sydney Tomlinson. Sydney and Kathleen had a son Bryan, who now lives in Whitby but is here today with his wife Jeanette to celebrate this wonderful occasion. Kathleen also has a grandson and two great grandsons. 

Sadly, Kathleen's husband Sydney died in 1953. But in 1956 love blossomed again for Kathleen and she married Ted Ashmore, moving to Ambleside to run the sweets and tobacco shop left to her by her father. For thirteen years Kathleen and Ted were landlords of the Hole in the Wall Inn, now known as the New Hall Inn, Bowness on Windermere. Ted died in 1984 and Kathleen moved into Birthwaite sheltered accommodation. She was registered blind in 1997 and moved into her present happy home here at Applethwaite Green. 

It's incredible to think that Kathleen has experienced 100 years of history and culture. From the sinking of the 'Titanic' and two World Wars to the introduction of the mobile phone and microwave dinners! I am absolutely delighted to have been asked to present Kathleen with her telegram from Her Majesty the Queen and wish her a very happy birthday and a very happy future."