Hebburn great-grandad with a ‘good sense of humour’ celebrates turning 100-years-old
A Hebburn great-grandad is celebrating a milestone birthday.
The family of a great-grandad are celebrating his milestone birthday as he turns 100-years-old today (Sunday, May 31).
Edward Clifford, known as Eddie, has lived in Hebburn his entire life and is set to mark the occasion with a small family party.
The now 100-year-old married his wife Norah in 1952, at St Aloysius Church, on Prince Consort Road, and the couple went on to have three daughters - Marilyn Alberti, Pauline Hogan and Anne Harbison.
Becoming an engineer
The father-of-three is also a grandfather-of-six and a great-grandfather-of-four, with another great-grandchild on the way.
Having attended Quay School and left at the age of 14, Eddie started a career at Reyrolle’s as a messenger boy before working his up to becoming an engineer and later an engineering foreman.
He retired in his 50s to care for Norah after she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Following her diagnosis, the couple became involved with the MS Society and Eddie also served as chairman of the Stroke Club for many years.
‘A true jack of all trades’
Marilyn has recounted to the Shields Gazette how her dad has enjoyed many interests throughout his life, including fishing and amateur dramatics.
The 71-year-old described her father as a “true jack of all trades” who would often make furniture, bake cakes, and even perform magic tricks at his daughters’ birthday parties.
Marilyn also spoke of her dad’s loving nature towards his family and revealed that he is excited to receive his 100th birthday card from King Charles III.
She commented: “Dad still has a really good sense of humour and he always manages to make me laugh.
“He was a bit nervous about turning 100-years-old because he said he didn’t want the attention of having a party.
“But he then decided he would like to have all his family around him to celebrate.
“He has always been a loving father and he is really good with his children and grandchildren.
“Family members will travel - some from miles away - to celebrate his marvellous achievement at Jesmond Dene House, and everyone is looking forward to being with him on this special day.
“He is also looking forward to receiving his birthday card from King Charles.”