New Mayor joins us to honour former resident Elsie Taylor
On the 6th of July Councillor Catherine Rose, the Mayor of Southwark, unveiled a new bench at the almshouse to honour former long-term resident Elsie Taylor.
“I was very pleased to join the DAC’s residents, staff and Elsie’s family to help remember a very special woman, said the Mayor.
“The DAC has an important role providing homes for older people in our community. Elsie was able to enjoy living independently for longer though the support she received from the DAC in the later years of her life.”
Elsie had lived at the almshouse for over 25 years and sadly passed away in 2016 at the age of 100.
Catrin Waugh, Chair of Trustees, said "Elsie was a remarkable woman who showed an enormous zest for life with a strong sense of community, and she was an inspiration to us all. She was born in Southwark and lived in the area her whole life, so we were delighted to have the Mayor join us for the unveiling."
Elsie came to live at the almshouse in 1991 at the age of 75, after a long and successful career in the Post Office as a telephonist – including working as a telephone engineer during the war. In addition, Elsie volunteered for 35 years for the Royal Voluntary Service, finally retiring in her 90s. Well into her 99th year Elsie was still enjoying a daily walk in Dulwich Park, and she would have been known by sight to many other regular park users.
“We hope that the bench will help to keep Elsie's memory alive, and that it will be enjoyed by many people for years to come,” said Mrs Waugh.
This story was also published in our local paper, the Southwark News.
Click on a picture to view gallery:
