Special chips off the block for John, 107
ONE of Britain’s oldest men says regularly tucking into Southport fish and chips over the past 107 years has kept him young – even though he can’t stand mushy peas.
John Tinniswood was born in Liverpool in 1912. He has lived through two world wars, but still manages his finances and reads the paper every day.
The former Shell-Mex and BP clerk celebrated his 107th birthday in August, at The Hollies care home in Southport, where the chef serves up his favourite dish every Friday.
John said: “Fish and chips has got to be my favourite. It’s always been such a treat. I think 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. 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 all over the world for its fish and chips.
“I remember going to The Swan as a younger man on a cold winter’s night and the atmosphere was always heavy with the smell of fish.
“I never minded the smell, but I can’t stand mushy peas.”
Poor sight meant John was sent to work for Royal Mail during WWII, which was when he met his future wife, Blodwen, at a dance.
They married in 1942 and their daughter, Susan, was born in 1943. They spent 44 happy years together until Blodwen died in 1986.
John, who is still an avid Liverpool FC fan, said staying active and learning have helped keep his mind sharp.
He said: “Keeping active is very important. I’ve always loved football but when I was younger I was part of the Liverpool Ramblers’ Association which went hiking all over the country.
“I haven’t been hiking for quite some years, but I largely carry on here as I would if I was still living independently.
“I like talking to the staff. It’s good to have people come in with different ideas and thoughts to share.
“I always say you should never go to bed at night without having learned something new that day.”
John is the oldest resident at The Hollies, where the staff helped to celebrate his birthday by throwing a barbecue party and surprising him with an original edition of a newspaper from the day he was born.
Owner Helen Eslick said: “Every morning he gets out of bed by himself and reads the paper.
“He’s as sharp as a knife, even at 107 – we’re so lucky to have him at the home.”