Three days before she died on August 11, Penny gave an interview to Kate Powell, Alton’s Anna Chaplain for Older People, and her family wanted it to be published as a tribute to her.
Kate, who was appointed Anna Chaplain in March, conducted it in a question-and-answer format as the first in a planned series of profiles on Alton’s older folk called Growing Old Gracefully.
Here is Penny’s interview:
How old are you and how long have you lived in Alton?
“I am 100 years old and have a letter from the Queen to prove it. I worked until I was 72 and that is when I moved to Alton, so I suppose that is 28 years ago now.”
What made you choose to retire to Alton?
“Having worked in Hampshire for the latter part of my career, I was keen to retire here. Also my son lives in Haslemere so I didn’t want to be too far from him.
“I looked at Farnham and Petersfield, but not only were they too expensive, they didn’t seem as friendly as Alton. I felt confident I could be happy here and I was.”
What do you like most about Alton?
“Well, I love all the different community groups and I took full advantage of this. I especially enjoyed the u3a groups and led the u3a play-reading group for 25 years.
“I was also an avid reader of the Alton Herald and am known to have sent in a number of letters to the editor. All of this gave me a sense of belonging and I have felt very much at home here.”
Tell me a little bit about your favourite time in your life?
“I have done a number of jobs over my life but my favourite was as a hotel receptionist at Keppel’s Head in Portsmouth.
“At the time it was a very upmarket hotel and it was there I found I was especially good at accounts, which I really enjoyed. I stayed in post for only four years as I made the mistake of getting married again.
“But that marriage didn’t last long and I went on to become a resident house matron at Lord Wandsworth College in Hook for 15 years, which was the second best time of my life.”
What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
“My biggest dream now is to die. I am not sure you could say I have ‘grown old gracefully’ but I did live independently until the age of 99.
“Since turning 100, life has become difficult for me. I have lost my mobility and feel ready to be with my heavenly father.
“My biggest hope now is that I pop off peacefully in my sleep, knowing I have lived a varied and fulfilled life.”