Holbeach Hospital resident Annie Limming celebrated her 101st Birthday on Thursday (Feb 23).
Annie was a familiar face to shoppers at JW Limming pet and garden supplies in Fleet Street, Holbeach, from the day it was opened by her late husband Jack in 1960 until her retirement 25 years later. Jack and Annie were married for almost 40 years until his death in 1977 and had three children, two grandchildren and a great grandchild.
Annie was born in Holbeach St Johns where she lived until she married Jack at the age of 21. During and after World War Two, Annie worked as a nurse in various hospitals until Jack opened Limming’s when he converted the couple’s living room into a shop for farmers and growers. At the time of her birth, in February 1916, George V was king and Herbert Asquith was Prime Minister. Annie was born at the stroke of midnight between the 23rd and 24th February.
Her children, Jackie, Rosie and Patrick (pictured with her) claim the secret to her longevity is down to her hardy upbringing, including drinking fresh unpasteurised milk straight from the farm, being persistently stubborn and a lifetime of hard work and graft. Annie used to go out in her 70s and help “old folk” with their gardening, often people younger than herself.
She was very active right up to her early 90s and has always helped people; never thinking of herself as on “old person”. She also somewhat goes against current health advice and has always drank full fat cream milk and very little water.
Her children also put her long life down to the excellent care she has received at Holbeach Hospital since becoming a resident in 2009. She is currently Holbeach Hospital’s second oldest resident.
Manager Maxine Winch said: “Annie still likes playing cards and greatly enjoys the entertainment and music and movement.”
