UK’s oldest tailor marks 100th Birthday at Connaught Court

Elwyn Hughes, who lives at RMBI Care Co. Home Connaught Court, in Fulford, York, has marked his 100^th birthday.

Thought to be the oldest working tailor, Elwyn became an Honorary Member of The Company of Merchant Taylors in the City of York earlier this year.

Born on 20 December 1923, Elwyn left school at the age of 14 and was expected to follow his family into the mines. However, he was drawn to a nearby clothing factory and began a lifelong love affair with tailoring.

Four years later, during the Second World War, 18 year old Elwyn was conscripted to the Army and trained as a machine gunner. But when officers noticed Elwyn’s sewing talent, they recruited him as a skilled tailor, and was instead sent around Britain with his sewing kit, attaching stripes to soldiers’ uniforms.

At the end of the war he returned to the trade and married his wife Barbara, and had three sons, John, Richard and Malcolm. Sadly, Barbara died in 1993.

Between the ages of 75 and 80, Elwyn travelled around the world to countries including Russia, Egypt and China, working for an American clothing company .Celebrating his milestone birthday, Elwyn said:

I’ve been such a lucky fella all my life, always so fortunate. I missed D-Day because of my tailoring, and whichever way I’ve turned I’ve been lucky. I married the best looking girl, Barbara, and have a wonderful family!

Fran Tagg, Activities Coordinator at Connaught Court, said:

We are delighted for Elwyn; he seems to be getting younger every year. He is dignified, smart, and gracious and his sewing skills are second to none.

Caption: Elwyn Hughes celebrates his 100^th birthday with residents and staff at RMBI Home Connaught Court, in York. Pictured here with Activities Coordinator Stephanie Taylor, Home Manager Marinda Aydinalp and Activities Coordinator Fran Tagg.

[Summary: Connaught Court resident Elwyn Hughes marks his 100^th birthday. Elwyn is thought to be the UK’s oldest working tailor.]