Birthday gran’s 105 years in same street
A GREAT- great- gran is about to turn 105 – in the same street where she was born.
Selma Callaghan moved a few doors away from her parents when she was in her 20s and has been there ever since.
For the last 40 years she has lived on her own following her husband’s death in 1976 and her mum’s in 1980.
Selma, who has also outlived two of her four children, will spend her birthday on Tuesday with both her daughters at her home in Weymouth, Dorset.
One of them, Valerie, 77, said: “I can’t believe she is going to be 105. It is such an achievement.
“It has been so lovely having her around, especially when my husband David died in 2018. Having her there was a real source of comfort to me.
“Mum just says, ‘ Keep going and do what you want to do’ and eat lots of chocolate. That is what
As a child, with family, and street has kept her going all these years.”
Selma was born during the First World War while her father was away serving his country.
She lived with her parents until she was 26. Her husband served in the Royal Navy.
For her 100th birthday in 2015, Selma had a party for her extended family, which include 10 grandchildren, six great- grandchildren and four great- greatgrandchildren. But coronavirus restrictions mean her 105th birthday will be low- key.
Valerie said: “This year we are a bit too worried to go somewhere.
“My younger sister, Heather, and I will go over and spend the day with her, which will be lovely.”
Valerie added: “She was completely physically healthy up until lockdown but sitting around all day for months on end has not been good for her legs.”