BELLRINGER AT 100

Evening Star, Issue 16663, 20 February 1918, Page 8

BELLRINGER AT 100

CENTENARIAN AS A SINGER OF CHRISTMAS CAROLS. The singing of Christinas carols and the chiming of one of the church bells were among the accomplishments on his hundredth birthday on Boxing Day of Mr William Mugfur, of Penquite Farm, Golant, Cornwall. Mr Mugfur is known locally as "the Grand Old Man of Agriculture'"; and, surrounded by many friends and relatives, he was one of the merriest members of his .birthday party. Mr Mugfur is passing the evening of his days on a quiet farm on the banks of the Fowey River. Near'at hand is the village church, where a merry peal was Tung in honor of his birthday. Not content to stay indoors and listen to the bells, this hale and hearty old farmer walked across to the church and chimed one of the bells himself. He started the day at eight o'clock, shaving himself with an ordinary Tazor. Telegrams and letters arrived by the bagful during the day. Among his correspondents was the Lord Mayor of London,, who sent the old Cornishnian his good wishes. The Lord Mayor has a beautiful country seat near Penquite Farm, and knows Mi - Mugfur well. Except that he is a- little do-af, Mr Mugfur retains all his faculties. His sight is splendid. Taking out his watch, he can tell the time at arm's length at a glance, without the use of glasses. He rends the paper every day, and writes regularly to his son in America. Among those present at the birthday celebration was a grandson, an officer in the Borderers, who travelled from Liverpool; Mr Mugfur's eldest son, who is 64, and lives in London ; and a married daughter, with whom he lives. Another son, who lives in America, is 62. His wife died about 23 years ago. The old man has a wonderful memory, and can give the acreage of the various fields he used to farm. His appetite is gocd, and at Christmas he had las helping of turkey. All his life he has had his food well salted.