Celebrating our community’s centenarians: 100 second interview
In this week’s 100 second interview, celebrating our community’s centenarians, we talk to Pauline Schoop, Born: 31 March 1913, in Hackney
Where do you live? How long have you lived there? And where did you live previously?
I lived in Hackney and Clapton for most of my life, then moved to sheltered accommodation in my late 80s in Gants Hill. I came to live at Vi & John Rubens a year ago in 2014.
What was your profession before retiring?
I used to work as a dress machinist.
Did you marry? I was married to Ralph who passed away after 22 years together. I then married Sid in 1968.
Do you have any children/ grandchildren?
I have two children, Jacqui and Sheryl and four grandchildren – three boys and one girl.
What’s your happiest memory?
It was my 90th birthday party when my children took me to Paris up the Eiffel Tower.
What do you consider to be your greatest or proudest achievement?
Being at my great-grandson’s barmitzvah a few weeks ago.
Who are your heroes of today and yesteryear?
I loved all the old-time singers. Last year for my birthday, my daughters and granddaughter , together with home, organised for a group of us from Vi & Johns to go with staff and volunteers to the Brick Lane Music Hall to listen to all the old songs to celebrate. We had a marvellous time.
If you were granted one wish to see something in your lifetime, what would it be?
To meet the Queen.
If you could live your life again would you do anything differently?
No changes to my life at all; I have been very happy.
Do today’s young people have it easy compared to when you were growing up?
Yes, definitely.
Are the elderly given the respect they deserve in Britain today? Yes.
The secret for a long life is…
Not smoking or drinking. I love being with people and never grumble.
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