A Douglas woman celebrated her 100th birthday with a visit from Lieutenant Governor Adam Wood – and a heartfelt tribute from well-known TV actress Alison Steadman OBE.
Mildred Kelly, who received a letter and birthday card from the Queen and bouquet of flowers from the governor, is a retired school teacher who was born in Bolton in 1915. She taught Ms Steadman drama in Liverpool in the 1960s.
Ms Steadman, who rose to national prominence in drama Abigail’s Party in 1977 and is well-known more recently for her role in BBC’s Gavin and Stacey, said: ‘Mildred was a school teacher in Liverpool for many years until her retirement. She taught and directed me in the early 1960s in Liverpool Youth Theatre.
‘She was an inspiration and full of energy and enthusiasm. I was 16 at the time and we all loved to be in her company.
‘Toby Haygarth and Bill Stewart were also in the Youth Theatre. We all went on to work in the professional theatre. We were every much influenced by Mildred and we loved her.’
She added: ‘Many years later in 2007 I was filming a television drama on the Isle of Man. Mildred heard I was staying in the island and contacted me and invited me to her house for a meal.
‘We enjoyed a lovely evening together and raised a glass to Liverpool Youth Theatre! It was so lovely to see her again and I have kept in touch with her ever since.
‘I’ve been back a couple of times to the Isle of Man to see her. Even in her nineties she enjoyed a glass of red wine and a laugh!
‘We shared a love of theatre but also of animals and wildlife in general. I have become increasingly fond of the Isle of Man and Mildred has shown me parts of the island I would never have discovered without her. I saw my first gannets diving for food and basking sharks! Moments I will never forget.
‘She loves the island and was proud to show it off.
‘I wish her a very happy 100th birthday. Sadly now Mildred finds it impossible to communicate but I know inside she is still the talented, kind, fun, inspirational lady I met in my teens.
‘Thank you, Mildred!’
Friend of 25 years, Diana Ballard also praised Mildred, saying: ‘She is a very kind, thoughtful person.
‘She has always said she was going to reach 100.’