Reaching her centenary
May Dyson has celebrated reaching her centenary, just a month after the DAMHA home in which she lives also passed the same milestone!
Born on 16th May 1925, May is one month younger than the aged miners’ homes in Wheatley Hill which were built in April of that year.
That meant there was double cause for celebration, with Paul Mullis, Chief Executive of Durham Aged Mineworkers’ Homes Association (DAMHA), visiting May on her special day to present her with a bouquet of flowers.
This was in addition to the numerous other flowers, gifts and cards she received, including a signed card from King Charles.
The mother and grandmother was surrounded by her family on her special day, with one of her children, Carol, having flown from her home in Florida to celebrate with her mum.
Another daughter, Julia, said: “Mum really enjoyed the day and liked having her family around her for this special occasion.”
Paul Mullis said: “It was lovely being part of May’s 100th birthday celebrations and everyone at DAMHA wishes her the very best.
“It was a funny coincidence that May and our homes in Wheatley Hill were both ‘born’ a month apart, and it’s clear they have both stood the test of time!”
May was born and bred in Wheatley Hill and is one of 11 children.
During the Second World War she worked in a munitions factory in Coventry and met her husband Tommy after the war ended. Tommy worked on the railways and the couple were married for over 50 years before he passed away.
Many of May’s family were miners and, sadly, lost her brother and uncle to mining accidents.
