Britain's Oldest Knitter: Mary Elizabeth Green

Goole History > Goole People & Families > Mary Elizabeth Green

 

The following is taken from the Goole Times of 17th July 1970:

 

'HER NEEDLES ARE STILL CLICKING'

Goole's "Little Angel" MRS MARY ELIZABETH GREEN of 3 Windsor Drive, Goole has been voted Britain's Oldest Knitter.

Every day since she was 8 years old, Mrs Green has followed knitting as her hobby. When she was 17 years old she knitted helmets, cardigans, socks and hats for soldiers and sailors. She also made shirts at 1/6p a time and once made a shirt for 6d. One Whitsuntide she completed 20 dresses in a few days so that children could take part in the annual celebrations.

She can remember the days when wool cost 2d an ounce and when blue was the only colour available in the market. The cost of wool today is about 2s 3d an ounce.

She has lived in Goole all her life, and for years has been known as the "Little Angel" because of her willingness to help others.

"Everyone should have a hobby or an interest to keep their minds busy and active," said Mrs Green this week, "and knitting and crochet work have provided me with something to do and certainly kept me out of mischief."

Mrs Green has been a member of the Salvation Army for 60 years and was a leading songster from 1911 to 1960. For many years she was also a "pub boomer".

Longevity runs in her family; her late father, Mr Benjamin Andrews, died at the age of 104.