A PROUD Cornishwoman, choir president, football fan and great, great grandmother celebrated her 100th birthday at home, just a stone’s throw from the places where she grew up.
Jean Julian was born at Bake Farm in Pelynt and spent her childhood there, and at Badham Farm, near St Keyne, moving with her family in her teens to Westnorth Farm, Duloe, now the home of Cornish Orchards.
During the Second World War, says her son Dennis, Jean recalls her mother holding Christmas parties for the soldiers stationed nearby and having sing-alongs in the farmhouse.
Jean married Ronald at the chapel in Duloe in 1945, with her auntie as bridesmaid “because she had the coupons and could get a dress”. The couple began married life at Tredinnick Farm, and Jean had a busy and hard-working life as wife to a farmer, running a B&B for 14 years. At harvest times, says Dennis, all the workers would also be fed supper – which meant catering for up to 18 people around the table.
The Julians later went on to Tremadart Farm, before moving in 1979 to the house where Jean still lives today.
Jean and Ronald were always great supporters of the Pelynt Male Voice Choir and were made joint presidents of the choir, a role Jean continued in after Ronald passed away in 1996, and which she holds to this day. Referring jokingly to the choir members, some of whom are in well into their senior years themselves, as “her boys”, Jean has up until fairly recently supported every concert and has accompanied the singers and supporters on their trips away each April.
A lifelong Methodist, Jean attended the chapel in Duloe and was steward up until its closure in 2004.
A passion for football started in childhood, says Dennis.
“Mum loves sport. She had three brothers and used to play football with them. She has always enjoyed watching football as well and could tell you the names of all the players.
“She also likes watching snooker, and is a proud supporter of the Cornish rugby team.”
Jean and Ronald had four children, Ruth, Frances, Dennis and Mary, and all three girls got married to a man named David.
“Mum says that each David thinks they’re the favourite,” he jokes, adding that Jean has eight grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren.
Up until the lockdowns, the grandchildren would take it in turns to visit Jean on a Sunday and the family are looking forward to resuming visits again as soon as they can.
Jean was pleased to receive beautiful bouquets from the Pelynt Male Voice Choir and from Duloe Parish Council on her birthday, and was especially delighted with her greeting from the Queen.