Happy 100th birthday to Agherton parishioner Tillie

Tuesday February 15th 2022

Bishop George and the Rev Malcolm Ferry paid a visit to Agherton Parishioner Mrs Tillie Virtue to mark her 100th birthday.

Bishop George and the Rev Malcolm Ferry paid a visit to Agherton Parishioner Mrs Tillie Virtue to mark her 100th birthday.

Congratulations to Mrs Tillie Virtue, a parishioner in Agherton, Portstewart, who her reached 100th birthday on February 11.

The Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev George Davison, paid a special visit to Tillie on February 14, along with the Rev Malcolm Ferry, rector of Agherton.

Bishop George and Rev Malcolm enjoyed almost an hour and a half of chat as Tillie told stories of her life.  She talked about her upbringing in Tyrone in the hills around Donemana as the oldest of the family and shared stories of training in England during the war as a nurse and then her further training as a nurse specialist in TB.

Tillie recalled her return to Northern Ireland and spoke about her seven children, who, with their own families, have brought much happiness to her.

Malcolm said: “Tillie chatted with great fluency and was right up-to-date with the world events, from the troubles in Ukraine to the coronavirus.

“Her quiet and gentle manner made the invitation to her home very enjoyable, combined with her quick intellect as she entertained her visitors.”

Agherton Parish Nurses Eileen Irwin and Noelle McNinch joined in the visit and added their voices to Bishop and rector’s tuneful singing of Happy Birthday.

When asked her secret of long life, Tillie said it was simple – work hard, stay active and drink plenty of tea!

The Bishop prayed with Tillie, giving thanks for a life already packed with wonderful experiences and for the future and the making of many more experiences as Tillie continues to live in her own home.

Happy Birthday Tillie!

‘The secret of long life is simple – work hard, stay active and drink plenty of tea!’ – Tillie Virtue (100)

 

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