Charlie hits 104 NOT OUT!
GREAT-GRANDAD PUTS REACHING 104 DOWN TO WORKING OUTDOORS
IT was time to shine for a retired window cleaner as he celebrated his 104th birthday – and being one of the oldest men in Greater Manchester.
Charlie Hanson, born and bred in Salford, marked the milestone on Tuesday. He says his former job has helped him reach such an old age.
Charlie, from Swinton, began his career going up and down a ladder at the age of 17 and – aside from serving in the RAF – kept washing windows until 65.
The great-grandad even met his late wife Connie while on his rounds. His starting pay was 12 shillings, six pence – the equivalent of around 65p a week today. Charlie said: “Being 104 doesn’t worry me, I am still here. I have always worked outside and the fresh air and keeping active has helped reach an old age.
“I liked the open air and meeting people and that’s how I met my wife.
“She was chasing her brother out of the yard and said to me, ‘I’ll hit you if you come any closer.’ But we got talking and decided to go out.”
Charlie was born and grew up in Winton and married Connie, who died 20 years ago, in 1935. They had a son Derek, now 71, three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Charlie served in Egypt in the Second World War, often visiting the scene of air crashes as part of a recovery operation. The United fan played football, darts, rugby and cricket in his younger years – and played bowls will into his 90s. Charlie still goes to watch the sport with son Derek – as long as the weather is nice!
Reminiscing about his childhood, he said: “I’ll always remember getting my ears boxed as a youngster for catching tadpoles near where I lived. I’d stayed off school.
“A lot still comes to me, I still remember having a paper round.”
Derek said: “It is fantastic for dad to get to the age he has. Being an only child, I never wanted for anything. My dad has worked hard all his life, going up and down ladders 10 hours a day. I’ve always had his backing and he’s always supported me in everything.”