Family and friends from various parts of Anguilla joined the island’s grand old lady, Adrianna Richardson (Miss Dan), of North Hill, in celebrating her 100 birthday on May 28.

Adriana with husband and other family members

The celebration commenced with a service at St. Mary’s Anglican Church conducted by Bishop Errol Brooks assisted by Reverend Menes Hodge. In his sermon the Bishop spoke of her religious life, commitment to the church and the love of many persons who surrounded her.

“You and your dear husband have raised wonderful children and it gladdens the heart when I see the care and attention they and their families shower on you both,” he said. “This is commendable. It is exemplary, especially at a time when many persons have very little time to share with the elderly.”

A hug from Mrs. Loma Mussington

The service included a selection by family members and a presentation of flowers by Loma Mussington on behalf of St. Mary’s Church.

Presentation by Governor Huckle

The service was followed by a reception at the Soroptimist Day Care Centre. There Governor Alan Huckle presented a birthday card from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and a gift and card from Mrs. Huckle and himself. In adding his personal congratulations, the Governor noted that Mrs. Richardson and her husband had two sons, two daughters, 14 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

Presentation by Timothy Hodge

Prior to those presentations, the centenarian was the recipient of a bouquet of flowers and a fruit basket from Director of Social Security, Timothy Hodge. The gifts were in recognition of her being the first non-contributory pensioner on the island thereby giving effect to this particular and relatively new provision of the Social Security system in Anguilla.

During the reception she was showered with tributes from various persons among the large gathering.

Mrs. Richardson and her husband, Christopher, who is 99 years old, were married for 73 years.

The family members have expressed thanks to all persons for attending the service and reception and for their kind words of good wishes.

| Printer-friendly page | Send this article to a friend |

World News