Sylvia – fashion adviser to the stars – is 100
Sylvia Williams who is celebrating her 100th birthday
A GREAT great grandmother who trained with knitwear firm Pringle and worked as a buyer at Harvey Nichols and Harrods in London has celebrated her 100th birthday.
Former Clifton resident Mrs Sylvia Irene Williams, who now lives at Elm Royd Nursing Home, Brighouse, was visited by members of her family on Saturday and celebrated with a birthday lunch, organised by manager Yvette Oreschnick. There was entertainment by Nigel Rae.
Born into a farming family in Carlton near Otley, Mrs Williams moved to London to live with her sister after her first marriage ended.
She went to the Pringle training school and then worked at the two top London stores as a buyer.
Her daughter, Mrs Doreen Townsend, who lives in Powys, north Wales, said: “She had the most wonderful job and met all the stars when they came into Harrods and Harvey Nichols to do their shopping.
“Having grown up in a farming family, she knew a lot about wool - and a lot about hard work.”
After she retired, Mrs Williams moved to Brighouse in the 1980s with her third husband, Malcolm, who was originally from Clifton. Mr Williams died two years ago.
She has one daughter, Doreen, son-in-law Philip, two grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and one great great grandson, Casey Jones, aged three months, who was special guest at the party.
Mrs Townsend said: “My mother has had a wonderful life. She’s a stylish lady and is always smiling and cheerful.”
Elm Royd’s activity co-ordinator Heather Green said: “Sylvia had dressed beautifully for the day and had her hair and make-up done. She got a card from the Queen and there was a lovely cake. It was a very happy occasion.”
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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