HENRY IRVING'S FLATMATE A CENTENARIAN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 14 April 1939, Page 6

HENRY IRVING'S FLATMATE A CENTENARIAN

Mr Oliver Chalker, Somerset's “Grand Old Man.” who was Henry Irving’s playmate when a boy. has lived at Keinton Mandeville, Irving's birthplace. all the 100 years of his life. He owned a quarry there, and was famous for his strength. At 72 he carried a 3cwt stone with a man weighing ljcwt on his back. At 91 he lifted scwt on to a barrow and wheeled it. At the age of 100 he could not walk easily, but he still drove about the country alone in a pony chaise to fairs and markets. He attributed his health and strength to having drunk nothing stronger than milk, not even tea or coffee, since 1848. He has spent only ljd on tobacco all his life; his first (boyhood’s) smoke was his last. He has been twice married. Jpas seven children all living, the eldest being 60, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren

George Bernard Shaw was on a battleship on one occasion when the admiral asked him: "Mr Shaw, can you tell me who. in your opinion, is Ih# most eminent playwright of the day?” Quick as a flash Shaw answered: "Aye. aye, sir!”