100 second-interview with our community’s centenarians: Annelise Winter

Name: Annelise Winter

Born: 23 November 1915

Birth place: Berlin

Where do you live? How long have you lived there? And where did you live previously?

I lived in Mill Hill for around 30 years. My sister and I arrived in London in May 1939 and went to Leek in Staffordshire. In 1941, I moved to Edgware and then to Kilburn after I got married in 1950. We paid £100 a year in rent!

What was your profession before retiring?

Before coming to the UK, I worked as a typist for a pharmaceutical company in Germany. Once in England, I worked in a factory in Staffordshire that made ladies clothing for M&S. In London, I worked for what is today the Work and Pensions office and was in charge of the typing room until I retired at 65.

Did you get married?

I married Oskar on 28 October 1950. We met at the Association of Jewish Refugees. He passed away in 1992.

Do you have any children/ grandchildren?

We didn’t have children but I have two nieces, Sue Sylvester and Yvonne Salomon, who take care of me.

What’s your happiest memory?

The ceremony at my wedding was lovely, while my 100th birthday was my happiest day too. If you would have told me 10 years ago that I would live until 100, I wouldn’t have believed you!

What’s your greatest or proudest achievement?

When I got married.

Who are your heroes of today and yesteryear?

I admired Churchill in the past – he was a good PM during the war, but not in peace time.

If you were granted one wish to have seen in your lifetime, what would it be?

To get my parents out of Germany.

If you could live your life again would you do anything differently?

No

Do today’s young people have it easy compared to when you were growing up?

I think so; in some sense, yes.

Are the elderly given the respect they deserve in Britain today?

I think so, yes. I’m also very grateful for the support I receive at Jewish Care’s Holocaust Survivors’ Centre, of which I’m a member.

If you could offer a piece of advice to today’s youngsters, what would it be?

If you have a job that you like, keep it, even if your parents say it’s not for you. When you do what you like you should make the best out of it.

The secret for a long life is.. Not smoking and not drinking.