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Crowning glory of Alison's century
FAMILY MEMBERS from as far afield as Australia helped a Buxton woman celebrate a very special milestone last week.
Alison Beatrice Mollan turned 100 on Friday when she was surrounded by family, including her 96-year-old sister and her eldest son and grandson, who had travelled from Australia to help her mark the occasion. Another of Alison's grandchildren was unable to get to Buxton because of the flight ban caused by the volcanic ash cloud.
Alison also had visits from High Peak Mayor Peter Kay and the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) as part of her birthday celebrations.
Alison, who lives at Derby House Nursing Home, was born in Norwich, where her father was one of the minor canons at the city's cathedral. She moved to North Yorkshire with her family at the age of five, attending Casterton School in Cumberland, famed for its past pupils, the Bronte sisters. After leaving school, Alison trained as a nurse, joining The Queen Alexandra's Nursing Corps and it was during this time that she met Frank Mollan, whom she married in 1937.
Frank was a doctor with the Royal Army Medical Corps and the couple had several army postings abroad in their first few years of married life, travelling to North and West Africa and spending three years in South Africa while Frank was serving in North Africa, the Middle East and Australia. The couple's eldest son was born in Cairo, their second son was born in Yorkshire, with their daughter Faith being born in West Africa. Alison now has seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
In 1950, the family returned to England, moving to London where Frank, then a Major General, was appointed Director of Studies for the RAMC and Honorary Surgeon to the then King George VI and later Queen Elizabeth II. The couple were both present at the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth in Westminster Abbey.
Shortly after, Frank retired and the couple moved to Taunton, Somerset, where Alison spent the next 55 years.
Alison was a stalwart at St Mary's, Taunton's Parish Church, working tirelessly for the Mother's Union and was also secretary to SSAFA, the Soldiers, Sailors and Air Force Association.
Alison moved to Buxton four years ago to be closer to her daughter Faith.
Alison puts down the key to her long life to keeping busy and her three F's - Family, Friends and her Faith.
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Weather for Buxton
Thursday 23 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 8 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: West
