WHEN most people reach their 90s their life begins to slow down somewhat.

Not so Lilian Medway, who celebrated her 93rd birthday last month.

The pensioner ensures her days are kept as busy as possible by attending regular church services and Women's Institute meetings, as well as volunteering two mornings a week in her local charity shop.

She even walks to the Age Concern shop in Bournemouth Road, Parkstone, from her home nearby to ensure her joints do not stiffen up.

"It's something to fill my time and keep my brain and body active," said the great-grandmother, who has also knitted more than 1,000 tea cosies for the shop to sell since she began volunteering 18 years ago after the death of her husband.

"If you don't keep your brain active and your limbs, you've had it.

"I love meeting people and I love talking to people. If I wasn't here I would be sitting at home feeling sorry for myself which I certainly don't like doing."

Lilian was so eager to give her time that she even tried to help out when the shop was first being fitted out, but was disappointed to be told there was nothing for her to do until it was up and running.

The pensioner, who has made a number of new friends since her time working with Age Concern, said she has always been an active person.

"I've always been used to working hard. Just before the war I was doing private nursing round here in public schools and hospitals and then I had my own post office for 10 years down in Devon.

"Now I come here to the shop Tuesday morning and Saturday morning and I visit to help quite a lot if somebody else can't come in.

"I also belong to the WI and the British Legion and the church has a Friday club which I go to.

"I'm going to keep coming here until they have to push me in a wheelchair."

First published: October 7