Lily marks 90th birthday

Coun Lily Henderson was inundated with more than 100 cards, scores of bouquets of flowers, and had a surprise party organised in her honour as she celebrated the milestone on Monday.

She has been a Conservative councillor since first being elected in 1983, currently representing Highfield ward.

Coun Henderson said: “I have had an amazing birthday and have been overwhelmed with the amount of cards and good wishes I have had.

“On Sunday I went to the Stanley Conservative Club where I was expecting to give a speech and present some prizes, and it turned out to be a surprise party.

“It was lovely to see everybody there, including many members of the Scout Association. I am carrying on with my council work, although I cannot get to as many meetings due to being blind in one eye and I have to walk with a stick.

“But I’m still very busy helping my constituents in Highfield ward.

“Today I am having a meeting about what is happening at Fisher’s Field, and I also want to raise money for a new MUGA (multi use games area) for the children.

“And I am continuing to organise the tennis sessions for children, which are at 
Highfield Park in the 
summer and continue in the winter at South Shore Tennis Club.

“I love working for the people of Blackpool – I just wish I was 40 instead of 90!”

As well as her council work, Coun Henderson is president of Blackpool and District Scouts.

She was Mayor of Blackpool in 2003/4 and received an MBE in the 2005 New Year’s Honours List in recognition of her services to the voluntary sector.

With two children of her own, she helped bring up her sister’s three children after her sister died in a holiday accident.

Coun Henderson’s daughter Victoria Da Silva was also awarded the MBE in 2015 for services to scouting.