It's 103 not out as Fleetwood's Hannah celebrates milestone

Hannah’s birthday was last Friday, February 10, when members of her large family, who live in Fleetwood and Blackpool, celebrated with her at Fleetwood Hall care home, on Chatsworth Avenue.

The sprightly super-pensioner has always loved music, so it was apt that the party had plenty of sing-a-long tunes, including a live performer.

Hannah said on the big day: “It’s lovely everyone’s here.”

And grandson Jim Powell said: “Nan’s a real character, she is Fleetwood through and through and has always been proud of the town.

“She was living by herself at an apartment on Dock Street until she was 100.

“She still loves her music just as much as she ever did. She really likes Neil Diamond, jazz, disco and 1950s rock and roll.”

Born in 1914, just at the start of the First World War, Hannah was the eldest of six children born to Hannah and

John Rimmer.

She was educated at St Mary’s RC school along with her siblings.

Hannah married trawlerman Thomas Harrison and she worked as a braider at Boston Nets, braiding the fishing nets for the trawler boats in Fleetwood’s fishing fleet, at that time the pride of the town.

After the war, Hannah and Tom would often travel to the Isle of Man, and Hannah has fond memories of these trips.

She was known for her funny personality and her willing to help anyone.

Apart from her time as a net braider, Hannah worked as a bar maid at the Royal British Legion and the West End Social Club.

She used to enjoy reading, but now her eyesight is diminished.

However, she still has a love of wildlife programmes, bingo and enjoying a good chat.

Hannah and Tom has four children, 13 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great grandchildren.

In their late fifties, Hannah and Tom emigrated to Vancouver in Canada to live with their son for several years.

They returned to Fleetwood, to return back to Canada some years later to live with their daughter.

They then returned to Fleetwood, where Tom died in 1981, and this is where Hannah has stayed.

Annette Wood, 76, one of Hannah’s two surviving children, said: “Mum loved it in Canada but dad really missed Fleetwood and being by the sea.

“But mum’s always happy wherever she is and she was happy to be back in Fleetwood as well. She’s had lots of birthday cards and messages and she loves it here at Fleetwood Hall.”