Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
...reasons to celebrate our Aycliffe Angel
Remarkable Jo’s war effort finally recognised
SUPERMUM Jo Allan’s 101 offspring have always known how extraordinary she is.
Now, as the Aycliffe Angel turns 100, her remarkable life and amazing achievements in the Second World War are receiving the praise they so richly deserve.
Jo has 12 children, 37 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandkids.
She received the traditional telegram from the Queen to mark her special birthday, as well as messages from loved ones in Canada, Australia and the US.
Covid concerns meant she was unable to have the huge family party planned. But she was recognised for her work in the war at a munitions factory in Aycliffe, Co Durham.
The women who worked there were nicknamed The Aycliffe Angels. Jo, wearing chamois leather gloves, would roll bullets in her hands, checking for any defects.
She recalled: “Supervisors kept reminding us that any mistakes could lead to the death of one of our soldiers.” Jo raised daughters Pauline, Joan, Judith, Barbara, Mary, Catherine, Susan, Steph and sons, Doug, Bernard, Gerard and Dave before grafting full-time until she was 65.
Andy Preston, mayor of her hometown of Middlesbrough, gave her a certificate and brooch to recognise her contribution to victory in Europe.
He said: “These women were completely unrecognised for too long. I’m sure the incredible work Jo and others did saved many lives.
“It’s time to acknowledge the efforts of all the Aycliffe Angels who helped to change the course of European history.”
Jo’s former parish priest Fr Paul Farrer, now based in Valladolid, Spain, dedicated mass at St Peter’s in Rome as she turned 100.
Born on November 18, 1921, she said there was no secret to a long life: “But I do think it’s important to have a happy frame of mind and to try not to worry.”
Her late husband Dave died in 2005, aged 82. He was a Second World War wireless operator at RAF Valley, and the newlyweds lived in Anglesey, Wales, before a spell in Hereford.
Instead of receiving gifts, Jo raised £1,500 for the Stroke Unit
at Middlesbrough’s James Cook University Hospital, where Dave was cared for in his final days.
Eldest daughter Pauline, 77, said: “Mum has always been the most loving, interesting and energetic mother, always on the go, putting us children first and herself last.”
Three years ago, she wrote her life story, Just an Ordinary Mother – My Life and Legacy.
But her family insist there is nothing ordinary about Jo.