Knitter Volunteer
Alice Zeitlyn
Alice is a Volunteer Knitter and has just celebrated her 100th birthday!
Alice kindly shares her experiences:
How did you get involved with the Charity or what inspired you to become a supporter?
When the Hospice opened in Mill Road I was shown round by a lovely lady. I thought at that time that I would love to be looked after by her in my last days. I became a supporter with an annual donation.
When did you learn to knit? Who taught you?
I was taught to knit by a Danish lady who came to London to improve her English. She worked for us as a cook for a year. She was an amazing craft person. Knitting, crochet, embroidery etc. You say it and she did it.
What kind of things do you knit?
I knit anything. Shetland style shawls, socks, clothes for children from babyhood onwards. My speciality is finishing off unfinished knitting for others.
What’s your secret to living a long and healthy life?
No secret! I have always eaten a mixed diet and kept busy. I enjoyed listening to music, reading and theatre. I was lucky that I could afford this.
What would be your advice to your younger self?
Have confidence in yourself. You can do it.
What was the best decade for you?
My best decade was the 1950’s. There was the birth of two of my children – a girl and boy. We moved from London to Cambridge. My husband got a job at Addenbrooke’s Hospital as a Consultant. Our future looked assured.
What is your earliest memory?
Sharing a bath with my little brother. Counting our ‘moles’!
How did you celebrate your 100th birthday?
My family took me out for lunch at the ‘Three Horseshoes’ in Madingly. There was 13 of us plus the twins (my Great-Grandchildren) aged 8 months old!
I also enjoyed a wonderful Afternoon Tea in the Bistro with some of the members of the ‘Knits of the Round Table’ at the Hospice.
