AN ALRESFORD artist has celebrated her 100th birthday.
Jill Jennings, of Arle Gardens, marked the milestone at home with her friends and family on Monday, October 28. Alongside the traditional birthday card from the royal family, Jill was also visited by the Mayor of Winchester Cllr Russell Gordon-Smith.
Originally born and raised in Adelaide, Australia, Jill moved to the UK in the 1950s after having previously visited in 1951.
Speaking of this time in her life, Jill told the Chronicle: “The first time I came over it was a tourist trip. I had always wanted to come to England – I don’t know why it was so important!
READ MORE: Artist Jill still going strong at age of 95
“I was here for 15 months and then went back to Australia for about two years. But I wanted to come back and see what it would be like to live here not as a tourist.”
Having trained as a thoracic physiotherapist, Jill worked at the Royal Brompton Hospital for several years, before later getting a job at Broadcasting House. She then went on to have a variety of jobs before she retired, moving to Alresford in 1994.
She has been a member of the Alresford Art Society and the New Road Artists group in Timsbury since 1995. She produces paintings in a studio in her house, with her artwork having been displayed many times at different local exhibitions.
Jill continued: “I am so thankful for having this art to do, and the river down the road to stand and look at.”
When asked what her secret to a long life is, Jill said: “I haven’t done anything to achieve it. I was asking myself who or what decides who gets to live to 100 and who doesn’t. I think I feel very lucky because I have got my art - it keeps me going.
SEE ALSO: Four generations gather to celebrate centenarian's birthday
“When I think of some people who just sit around, I feel so lucky. And I have got the river on my doorstep and I can go and walk there.
“My parents didn’t live very long – my father died in his 60s and my mum died when she was 48, but my grandfather was 90 when he passed, and I had an aunt who was 90. She was a remarkable lady – she was at Harefield Hospital in the First World War!
“I smoked for 25 years and gave it up more than that many years ago.
“I haven’t done anything (to get to 100), I have just lived my life like anyone.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here