Little Sutton Resident Celebrates 105th Birthday with Visit from Her Local MP

A remarkable Little Sutton resident was pleased to receive a visit from her local MP just a couple of weeks after her 105th birthday.

Gertrude Dumbill, known as ‘Trudy’, celebrated her milestone on July 16 with cake and bubbly among friends and family at Smithy Court, where she lives.

Ellesmere Port and Bromborough MP Mr Madders, who first met Trudy shortly after her 104th birthday, returned to see her again – this time bringing a pot plant as a gift – after being invited to officially open the sheltered housing scheme’s newly refurbished lounge.

Born in Birkenhead as one of eight children, Trudy has led an extraordinary life.

Recalling a happy childhood, she said:

"Where my aunt lived, my mother’s sister, was right opposite the entrance to Birkenhead Park and we used to play in the park and play in the pine woods and by the windmill at Bidston. It was very nice as a child.

“I was number seven. Only one came after me, a little boy, born in 1926. They’ve all gone. I’ve outlived everybody."

After leaving school, Trudy worked for Littlewoods Pools before the outbreak of the Second World War changed her path. At just 19, she joined the workforce at the Thornton Aero Engine Research Laboratory, which developed advanced fuels and lubricants for RAF warplanes.

It was there she met her future husband, Robert, who was working as a joiner insulating the rooms where aero engines were tested. The couple married in 1945 and went on to have two children, Russell and Carol.

After the war, Robert worked as a re-upholsterer until the couple took over the Carlton Furnishing Company in Ledsham Road, Little Sutton, in 1958. They moved to live above the shop in 1960 and ran the business together until retirement in 1988. Their son Russell took over the venture, renaming it Carpets by Russell. The shop has now been in the family almost 70 years.

Trudy attributes her long life to a love of the outdoors, a passion she shared with Robert. The couple enjoyed many family trips to North Wales in their camper van. Sadly, Robert passed away in 1999, and their daughter Carol died from cancer in 2023.

Today, Trudy – who received a birthday card from the King and Queen – takes great pride in her family, including her five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Justin Madders MP said:

"It was a real privilege to meet Trudy again. Her warmth, sense of fun and love of life shine through."

Pictured - Ellesmere Port & Bromborough MP Justin Madders with 105-year-old Trudy Dumbill.