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Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 1 August 2008

Elsie, left, with daughter Hazel, and son Jack with Lily

Elsie’s 100, but sister Lily goes one better

THEY are not sure if it is “in their genes” or because they “always ate their greens” but whatever it is, longevity seems to run in Islington’s Watling family.
Elsie has just celebrated her 100th birthday with a card from the Queen – and sister Lily is 101.
Grandmother Elsie, who lives in Newington Green, remembers giving up smoking after the First World War. “I hardly ever drink,” she said. “My only vice is bingo. When I’m feeling fit I play bingo three times a week. I won £500 two years ago.”
She shares a flat with her 63-year-old retired daughter Hazel at John Kennedy Court, managed by Homes for Islington. They have been there for 42 years.
Elsie has two other children – sprightly Patricia, 71, and Jack, 73, who runs several miles a week.
As for diet, Elsie says she’ll eat anything. “I’m not a fussy eater. I try and remain relaxed about life.
“The only problem is that my legs have got bad lately so I’m not allowed to get out as much as before.”
A former member of the now-closed Mecca bingo hall in Essex Road, Elsie now plays bingo in Camden Town. “If I’m feeling all right I’ll ring Dial a Ride and get them to pick me up and take me,” she said.

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