Labour activist sorry for bomb-threat hoax ‘joke’

SHE’S made it to being 100 – and reckon it’s all down to her positive attitude.

Elsie Kershaw lives in a care home in Kirkburton and has outlived her nine siblings.

When asked if his mum’s secret to life is whisky like so many other centenarians say, her son Geoffrey said: “She has a positive attitude to life. She has never been a drinker.”

Raised on a farm in Ripponden, Elsie went on to work as a winder in a textile factory and on the production line in two chocolate factories.

She met her husband Cyril Kershaw, a painter and decorator from Halifax, at church and they got married in the late 1930s.

During World War Two, she was called up for national service and made munitions in Leamington Spa in Warwickshire.

After the war the couple moved to Sowerby Bridge and had one child together. Sadly, Cyril passed away in 1983 aged 65. After his death Elsie spent a few years living with family in Bridlington before moving into Croftlands Care Home in Kirkburton a decade ago.

Her younger sister Mary Bridge, who lived in a care home in Doncaster, died just last week at the age of 95.

Elsie turned 100 on Monday and was visited by Geoffrey, his wife Julie, their son John and his partner Emma and their two children Charlotte and Madeleine.

More family will visit her today. Spen MP Mike Wood, took to Facebook to vent his views.

Liversedge-based Mr Ward posted: “Sounds like a good night for bomb scares. What about contacting the firms who supply this catering outfit? Lots of scope for a fun event.”

Anthony Hegney, the director of the museum’s catering firm, Asparagus Green, said police were needed to guard the museum and patrol his home after threats were made to both himself and staff.

Mr Hegney and the museum were forced to cancel the booking over safety fears.

Now Mr Ward has apologised for his post claiming it was “a stupid remark on Facebook.”

He said: “I meant the comment as a joke but realise that it was an unacceptable thing to joke about. I apologise unreservedly.”

A Labour spokesperson said: “Peter Ward has apologised for a crass and insensitive remark and realises it was an unacceptable thing to joke about.

“He has been reminded of his responsibilities as a Labour Party member and warned about his future conduct.”

Mark Eastwood, chairman of the association, said: “This is not surprising given that the Shadow Chancellor is on record using violent language and suggesting lynching a female MP.

“This is just yet another example of how vile abuse, intimidation and threats of violence are common place and deemed acceptable behaviour in today’s Labour Party.

“If Labour truly wanted to see an end to the cycle of abuse and intimidation, they would take firmer action.

“Clearly, they see political advantage in violently intimidating those who have a different point of view.”