MEET Mabel Exley - Barnsley’s latest centenarian.
Born on June 20, 1918, Mabel, of Helena Close, Barnsley, marked turning 100 with a party for family and friends at the home she’s lived in for 30 years on Wednesday.
“I’ve had a good lifestyle and I’ve done very well,” Mabel told the Chronicle. “I was always as fit as a fiddle and used to walk for miles. Up until my 80s I walked into the town centre - people used to say I was mad.”
Mabel worked as a sewing machinist and at Beatson Clark glassworks before she married her husband, Harry. The couple did not have any children together, but enjoyed walking in the countryside until he died.
And although Mabel receives a bit of help these days, her independence remains very important.
“I still enjoy sewing garments, which I give to charities,” she added. “Other than that I can’t see why there’s much fuss about me.”
Friend Sarah Sanger, who looks after Mabel several times a week, paid tribute to Mabel’s razor-sharp wit.
“She’s such a lovely woman and you’d never believe she was 100. Mabel didn’t want to go into a care home as she’s very independent and is proud of that.
“She’s so witty and very funny to be around. It’s a close-knit community around where she lives so everyone checks in on her as she’s a well-known character.”
