Jean Neill remembers the day King Charles was born: her brother called out 'She's had the wean!'
Jean Neill is the best person to ask about the history of Upperlands in county Londonderry because she has lived there for 100 years.
She was born on April 6 in the year Annie Oakley and Claude Monet died and has outlived Queen Elizabeth II, Marilyn Monroe and Fidel Castro, also born in 1926, and Rev Ian Paisley who uttered his first cry on the same day. There are around 17,000 centenarians in Britain and Ireland but many don’t enjoy Jean’s good health.
Jean was born as a General Strike was brewing and hers has been a remarkable century from the Hungry Thirties to Ozempic, from fascism to the welfare state and mass emigration to the small boats.
She listened to the funeral of George VI on the radio because the household had no TV until 1972 but talks to friends on a mobile phone.
Like her father Bob and sister Annie she worked for William Clark and Sons and now lives at Benbradagh Care Home, a house which was built by the famous linen family.
She laughed at the King’s telegram. “I remember the day he was born. My brother was listening to the radio and called out ‘She’s had the wean!’”
Nephew Maurice Neill said, “Jean saved £6 to buy my first bicycle, spoiled me rotten during summer holidays and gave me a bed and fed me when I took my first job. I’ve tried to repay this kindness but her wants are few - a punnet of oranges, a bottle of ginger wine and a copy of Hello magazine.”
Jean celebrated her big day among friends and family at Benbradagh Care Home.