I’M STILL CHIPPER AT 107
Fish supper John’s secret to long life
A GREAT-grandad says fish and chips are the secret to a long life – and he should know as he’s 107.
John Tinniswood, was born in Liverpool in 1912, the year the Titanic sank.
The dad-of-one, grandad-of-four, and greatgrandfather says his Friday treat keeps him young.
The former oil industry depot clerk celebrated his birthday in August at his care home.
John said: “Fish and chips has got to be my favourite dish. It’s always been such a treat.
“Looking forward to my next visit to the chippy has kept me young.
“I feel the same now as I did when I was in my 80s, nothing has changed really.
“Now I get to have my favourite once a week here so I always look forward to a Friday, and occasionally we get an extra special treat when we order it from The Swan – a Southport chippy famous for fish and chips.
“I remember going as a younger man on a winter’s night. The atmosphere was always heavy with the smell of fish.”
He added: “I never minded the smell, but I can’t stand mushy peas.” John, who lives at the Hollies Rest Home in Southport, Merseyside, met his late wife Blodwen at a dance in Liverpool during the Second World War.
They married in 1942 and welcomed their only child, Susan, in 1943.
John is still an avid Liverpool FC fan and says keeping active and constantly learning have also helped to keep him sharp.
He gets himself out of bed unassisted every morning before reading the newspaper and handling all his own finances.
He said: “Keeping active is very import – I always say you should never go to bed at night without having learned something new.”
John is the oldest resident at the Hollies.
Owner Helen Eslick said: “He’s as sharp as a knife even at 107, we’re so lucky to have him at the home.”