Somerset County Herald 27 Oct 1956 Born at Ile Abbotts 100th Birthday of Mrs Susan FOXWELL nee DRAKE

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Somerset County Herald and Taunton Courier Saturday 27 Oct 1956

Page 5 Column 6 & 5


Born at Ile Abbotts

100th Birthday of Mrs. S. FOXWELL

Lived at Upottery for 42 Years

Mrs. Susan FOXWELL, who lived in East Devon for much of her life, on Friday celebrated her 100th birthday at her home in Cardiff. Born at Ile Abbott, Somerset, Mrs. FOXWELL moved with her husband to Upottery, when she was 23 years old, and stayed there for 42 years.

Still bright and active, she recalls places, people and even conversations with amazing clarity.

The mother of two sons and three daughters, she has 20 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. The majority of them live in Devon, but on Friday most of them travelled to Cardiff, where Mrs. FOXWELL lives with her 56 years old youngest son, Ben.

One of the most important guests was a brother, Mr. William DRAKE, who is aged 94.

Mrs. FOXWELL, who declares

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that she does not feel her age, takes an active interest in radio, television, newspapers and all forms of modern transport, many of her interests being mere dreams when she was young.

She can recall the time when Bridgwater was a busy port with sailing ships unloading building materials at the quayside and she can remember her husband working as a carter for a miller, Mr. Jonas BROMFIELD, for a wage of 14s a week, plus a quart of cider.

Asked her opinion of this modern age, she replied: “If I had my health and strength I'd rather have the present days because there is more freedom and people don't have to work so hard.”

Mrs. FOXWELL astounded Cardiff doctors eight years ago when, after breaking her hip, she recovered to walk around as lively as ever.


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