Music show marks Elsie’s centenary

Elsie Kidds hit 100 in style with a buffet and music show at her home at Hopton Care Cottages.

Elsie’s daughter Penny, who came all the way from Somerset to be at the party, said:

“It was such a lovely day – the care home had put on a lovely buffet and show.

“There were about 40 people who had come to the party and she really enjoyed herself. The nurses at the home said she was exhausted the next day though!”

The daughter of grocers Samuel and Annie Stradling, Elsie grew up in Highcliffe Road, Batley.

After leaving school she worked in the J&B Department store in Dewsbury and later worked at pharmaceutical company Wallfox.

In 1941 following a whirlwind courtship Elsie and William were married in St Andrews Church, Mount Pleasant.

William died aged 66 following illness and Elsie never remarried.

A keen thespian, she was a member of several amateur dramatics groups, and enjoyed dancing.

Her passion for fashion and was also well known among family and friends.

Between 1942 and 1948 they had four daughters; Rae, Wendy, Penny and Carolyn.

By 1983 the family had increased with the arrival of 11 grandchildren. And in 2012 the last of 13 great grandchildren had completed the current family.