Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/3381/-1/131/
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Christopher Richardson Celebrates 100th Birthday
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On Sunday March 12 Christopher Richardson of North Hill celebrated his 100th birthday at a special service at the Zion Methodist Church. It was attended by many family and friends from Anguilla and neighbouring islands.
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Fruit basket from Social Security
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His Excellency the Governor Alan Huckle said he was extremely pleased to present a card on behalf of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. He congratulated him on reaching “such a magnificent age” declaring that the good Lord must have been watching over him as he has survived so much including Hurricane Donna while he was serving as a lighthouse keeper on Sombrero. He commented that he was particularly pleased to present the card to a man as usually the women live longer.
This is the third card the family has received from the Queen as Christopher and his wife, Adrianna received a card on their 70th Wedding Anniversary in 2004, and Adrianna received a card on her 100th birthday in May 2005.
Christopher has two sons, Claud and Henry, living in Anguilla and two daughters Valerie living in the UK and Helen who lives in Statia, who all attended the birthday celebration. He has 14 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren and just last week a great great grandchild was born in the UK, starting the fifth generation.
At the service Claud spoke of his father as a humble, meek, mild man who has been a farmer, fisherman, sailor, painter, cook and labourer over his many years. He sailed the Caribbean for many years on various schooners and Claud recalls hearing stories about these adventures. He thanked his father and the Good Lord for his many blessings.
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Governor Huckle presents card from HM The Queen
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On behalf of the congregation of Zion Church Sinclair Buchanan congratulated Christopher on “making a century”. He described him as a pillar of the community who is a devoted member of the church, was a choir member and class leader for many years. He said he is a perfect gentleman who still has all his faculties intact, is very sharp and can read without glasses. Asked to what he attributes his longevity Christopher told Buchanan to good living, hard work, a Christian upbringing and through the grace of God. On behalf of the church Sinclair wished Christopher good health, God’s richest blessings, and told him, “Hold your crease and keep your eye on the ball. Congratulations on being 100 and still not out.”
The service was conducted by Rev Franklin Roberts and the lessons were read by Christopher’s two sons, Claud and Henry and by Rev Joseph Lloyd who also assisted in the communion. Attending the service with the many family and friends were the Chief Minister Osbourne Fleming, the Hon Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Victor Banks, Sir Emile and Lady Gumbs, Rev Lindsay Richardson and Rev John Gumbs.