A “formidable” and “fiercely independent” former pub landlady is set to celebrate her 100th birthday.
Lilian ‘Lil’ Sewell was born on August 25, 1926, and has been described by her family as having “determination, grit and hard work” in her blood that had been passed through the generations.
A direct descendant of the legendary Lowe family, the famous Rope Makers of Bewdley, who established their historic ropewalk back in 1801.
Lilian Sewell (Image: Anita Jones)
During the Second World War, Lil stepped up and started working at Tomkinson’s Carpets in Kidderminster, watching the traditional looms stop as the factory transformed into a vital munitions plant to help the war effort.
It was during this time that Lil married her “soulmate” Norman Thomas Sewell on January 20, 1945.
By the 1960s and 1970s, Lil and Norman became “local legends” as the landlords of The Old Bear on Stourbridge Road in Kidderminster.
The pub, which is now a Tesco Express, endured through the changing decades with her family saying her role “really was her life”.
Lil on her mobility scooter (Image: Anita Jones)
Granddaughter Anita Jones said: “Running a busy town centre pub in those raucous, changing decades required an iron spine, boundless energy and a razor sharp wit and nan had it all.
“Anyone who ever sat across a table from her quickly learned she was the ultimate pub card shark, a title she still holds with absolute pride.
“The pub really was her life.”
Lil’s natural leadership led her to become the celebrated chairwoman of the Licensed Victuallers’ Association.
Lil Sewell with her family (Image: Anita Jones)
Her family said: “Nan never did conform to the quiet ‘grandma’ stereotype. She has always lived life to the absolute fullest.”
Lil “lives for her freedom” and has regularly enjoyed holidays to Spain, Italy, Malta and many other places.
Her family said: “Alongside that fierce, independent, card-playing exterior lies a heart of pure gold.
“Nan is a massive animal lover who has spent decades actively supporting multiple animal charities across the UK.
“She has a deep, lifelong passion for all animals particularly cats, dogs, shire horses and donkeys.
“When we look back, some of our most treasured and fondest family memories take us to the family bungalow in Astley Cross near Stourport. We all share the happiest memories of her daughters, grandchildren and the whole family playing by the water, laughing and staying over with nan and grandad.”
Lil Sewell is set to celebrate her 100th birthday (Image: Anita Jones)
Lil continues to live independently in her own home and her granddaughter Anita said her nan is looking forward to getting her 100th birthday card from the king.
She added: “Nan is still the ultimate social butterfly and the absolutely bright light of our family.
“She absolutely thrives on being surrounded by her family and friends, soaking up the love of the people who mean the most to her.
“She is our anchor, our history, our strength and our pride. We cherish her more than words can say.
“She is formidable and a really great lady. We all love her to bits.”
Lil remains the matriarch of a five-generation family tree, including three daughters, Norma, Janice and Jackie, six grandchildren, Nikki, Sam, Anita, Vicky, Sarah and Sadie, seven great-grandchildren, Ruby, George, Charlie, Jack, Grace, Emily and Eleanor, four step great-grandchildren, Amber, Charlie, Jack and Max, and her step-great-great-grandchild Frankie.
Her family have wished Lil a very happy 100th birthday.
