War-time entertainer celebrates 100 years
Great-grandmother Maud a real ‘strong character’
The Uxbridge Gazette Series
AGREAT-GRANDMOTHER who once entertained the troops during the Second World War has celebrated her 100th birthday in style.
You would be forgiven for mistaking Maud Chisholm for somebody much younger, but the glamorous centenarian has just celebrated her milestone birthday with her large family and friends.
Mrs Chisholm, lives in Woodbridge House off New Windsor Street in Uxbridge, run by the Uxbridge United Welfare Trusts. She was born in Essex into a farming family and her grandaughter, Alison Smith, said she moved home around 15 times in her first 18 years.
“She has done a huge number of things in her life; she was the landlady of a pub, she once owned a post office and during the war she used to entertain the troops with singing and dancing.
“Her stage name was Josie Gray and that is why people still call her Jo now instead of Maud,” said Alison.
Around 60 people came to Mrs Chisholm’s birthday party including her grandchildren, greatgrandchildren and extended family, who visited from as far away as Leicester and Essex.
“She is the most remarkable lady,” Mrs Smith said. “She gets up every day, does her hair and make-up and goes into town for lunch and to do some shopping.
“My father, her son, passed away in June and I think that has knocked her back a bit but that is the first time I have ever noticed her slow down.
“I think she is one of the most determined people I have ever met.
“She has got the strength of steel, she is such a strong character and her determination is what has got her through all of these years,” she said.