Newspaper Article 1994 – Hetty revisits Eskdale Church and celebrates 100 years

PEOPLE PATCH

Hetty revisits Eskdale Church and celebrates 100 years

Hastings centenarian Hetty lean revisited Eskdale Church last week for the first time since she was married there almost 73 years ago.

Not since her wedding to Alexander Annan Lean on September 7, 1921, has Mrs Lean been to Eskdale and the church there.

Last Tuesday she walked down the aisle with other residents from Eversley Home where she now lives.

Mrs Lean said the visit rekindled many memories about her wedding day.

Her husband Alex died in 1969.

To mark the occasion Mrs Lean brought her wedding dress with her which “has weathered the storm well”.

The hand beaded dress was made by a dressmaker the family used often.

Hetty was born Harriet Jane Parker in Napier on July 3, 1894. She met Alex during her first job as a lady’s helper at Olrig Station.

After their wedding the Leans lived on 17 hectares in St Georges Road north.

Mrs Lean celebrated 100 years last weekend with a dinner party and celebration at Eversley.

Despite reaching such a milestone a spritely Mrs Lean wasn’t phased about reaching 100.

“I don’t know what the fuss is all about,” she said. “But I do wonder where all the years have gone,” she added.

To further the event Mrs Lean received a telegram from the Queen and Prime Minister Jim Bolger.

Photo caption – Hetty Lean with the wedding dress she wore on her wedding day at Eskdale Church on September 7, 1921.