Home Page Haverhill News

THE census of 1901, put on the internet this week, includes the region's oldest woman.

Janet Jackson from West Wickham near Haverhill is 107. She can remember growing up in Harston and also being in the crowd for Queen Victoria's funeral.

Janet Jackson was born Janet Willers on October 24, 1895 at Fleece Cottage, Button End, Harston.

She grew up with her three sisters and two brothers. During 1901 her father became ill and she was sent to stay with a cousin in London. While she was there Queen Victoria died and Janet was one of the many thousands who lined the streets.

Although it happened 100 years ago she can still remember the day vividly.

"I was staying with a male cousin who who had married a London girl. I remember everyone in London saying I had such red cheeks because I was a country girl," she recalled.

"We went to the funeral of Queen Victoria and her crown was in a gun carriage being drawn by sailors. I can remember seeing that quite well. As it came by I was sitting on my cousin's shoulders."

When she reached 15 Janet was old enough to follow her dream of becoming a teacher and started in a junior position at Haslingfield school at £10 a year.

"I started college and worked hard and became a solicited teacher and I got £100 a year," she said.

"I became head girl at Saffron Walden teacher training college which was good because it made it easier for me to become a headteacher later on.

"I like children and I always liked to teach them, I enjoyed it. I did not bother about boyfriends. I didn't have time for them. I was very busy planning things for my children to do!"

She went on to be head at Comberton and Sawston junior schools. Some of her former pupils, one aged 82, contacted her after she last appeared in the News on her 107th birthday.

She lives next door to her daughter. She has two children, five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

"I can't see or hear very well or walk without a walking frame but I am very lucky, my daughter is very good to me. I have had a happy life," she said."

E-Mail Link: http://www.census.pro.gov.uk