Just Great!

Mrs Bessie Driver

Hewlett Court is the home for almost 40 Freemasons and their dependants and there is still room available for more. The oldest resident, Mrs Bessie Driver, celebrated her 100th Birthday on 14th June 2010, and what lovely arrangements were made for her. Her two daughters, Mary and Margaret, spearheaded the organisation for the event and were joined by most of their close and extended family including Bessie's 3 Grandsons, 2 Granddaughters and 3 Great Grandsons. The montage below gives a snapshot of the enjoyment shared with Bessie, who was bright, cheery, welcoming and, with all her wits still about her, engaged all of her visitors in conversation.

The Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Jack Price, and Dorothy were more than pleased to attend to offer their own heartfelt congratulations. They also availed themselves of the opportunity to talk to some of the residents, many of whom they have also known for a number of years. Jack and Dorothy were also joined by Philip and Josie Mountford, and from Bridge Street, Susan and Rachael O'Neill and Julie Ward.

Jack Price congratulates Bessie

Councillor John Byrne, the Worshipful the Mayor of the Bury Metropolitan Borough, also joined in the festivities and spent a good couple of hours talking with Bessie, residents (including Albert Little, OBE, who has served on the Council as Leader and is a former Mayor) and and invited guests.

Bessie with Councillor John Byrne, The Worshipful the Mayor of the Bury Metropolitan Borough

Philip and Josie Mountford also enjoyed the evening and Philip fondly recounted tales and information of some of the history and characters involved with Bessie over the years, including his knowledge of Leslie Prestwich and his sons Robert and Michael, all of whom are Past Masters of Papyrean Lodge, No. 5771. Robert is the husband of Bessie's daughter Mary and is currently the Treasurer of Bury Masonic Association and is looking forward to promotion in East Lancashire Provincial Grand Lodge in November. Michael, who was the DC of the Lodge for many years, sadly died after completing a 91 mile walk to raise funds for the East Lancashire 2004 Grand Charity Festival.

Philip and Josie Mountford express their delight and best wishes

On display during the evening was a beautifully put together collage which shows a pictorial history of Bessie's life (below):

Daughter Margaret read a lovely poem during the evening as follows:

1910 was a very special year,
Our Mum Bessie was born.
For Alice and John Eastwood a second child,
For brother Tom a baby sister, sweet and mild.
Auntie Sally was so happy too,
Helping bring up the infant new.
Growing up at Miss Mather's school,
Bessie certainly was no fool,
At sixteen and at secretarial college,
achieved a post in a Manchester office,
Later on through playing sport,
She met Arthur her new escort.
July 18th nineteen thirty five,
At New Church, Sedgley, she became a bride,
Three years later with much ado,
Daughter Mary arrived well overdue.
The dreadful war interrupted life,
for the new family man and wife,
Poor Arthur was sent away from home,
Palestine, Italy and far to roam.
Army life was none too good,
And sad Bessie was to brood.
Another happy event in forty two,
Daughter Margaret joined the crew,
Flags came out in forty five,
War was over and Arthur survived.
Celebrations were to the fore,
And happy life resumed once more.
Tennis and golf were the order of the day,
Arthur and Bessie were both to play,
How healthy a couple they were to be,
A Diamond anniversary they did see.
Alas in 1998 a very sad day,
Husband and Dad did slip away,
Our Mum Bessie struggled on,
But things were not the same,
She could not see too well,
And this was such a shame.
In 2006 Hewlett Court had a room,
So Bessie moved in to lift the gloom,
So much brighter she has become,
With friends and neighbours in the home.
We can't believe she's reached this age,
With all her marbles; such a sage.
Grandchildren and family fill her mind,
Plenty going on though she's almost blind.
Phillip and staff give her such care,
Bessie is happy beyond compare,
One hundred years to celebrate,
Congratulations, you're just GREAT!

Following this all joined in to a toast to Bessie's health on her birthday with the customary cheers and song. After the candles had been succesfully blown out and the secret wish made, the cake was sliced and shared.

Family and all toast Bessie's health on her 100th Birthday

10 Candles - one for each decade

All in all Phillip Crumbleholme and the staff put on an excellent function for Bessie with a splendid buffet and merriment which continued into the late evening. A fitting tribute for such a lovely lady - shown below with her congraulatory card from the Queen, birthday cake and a beautiful bouquet from the East Lancashire Masonic Charity.

Flowers, Cakes and a personal message from the Queen