Village turns out for Cis's 90th (From Gazette & Herald)

Village turns out for Cis's 90th

VILLAGERS in Hovingham celebrated the 90th birthday of a much-loved neighbour on Sunday, March 7.

Cissie, or 'Cis' Brown came to the village from Sheffield in 1940 after her new husband Rob went to war.

She worked as a secretary to William Worsley, who ran the home guard for North Yorkshire.

Cis was the village correspondent for the Gazette & Herald for many years, and was involved in all kinds of voluntary work with the church and the Women's Institute.

She also worked as a guide at Castle Howard. When Rob returned from war, he became a gardener, and later head gardener, at Hovingham Hall, where he worked until his death.

Cis was joined at the party in Hovingham village hall by her two daughters, Heather and Hazel, and grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as many friends and neighbours from across the area. They enjoyed a sing-a-long and children read some of Cis's poetry.

Sir Marcus Worsley proposed a toast to Cis.

Her cousin, Ken Harrison, said: "She is one of the world's nicest people and much loved in the area."

Updated: 12:41 Wednesday, March 10, 2004