PENSIONER Muriel Molyneaux celebrates her 23rd birthday today... even though she was born 92 years ago.
She is one of the unfortunate few to be born on February 29, meaning her real birthday comes around only once every four years.
Mrs Molyneaux, who lives at the Hyde residential home in Walditch near Bridport, said that as a child her mother used to vary celebrations on February 28 or March 1 depending on her business.
“She had her own draper’s shop, and often had to go up to London to buy, meaning birthdays would be fitted in accordingly.
“But when February 29 did come around, a big deal would be made of the day.”
Muriel, who was born in Kent, said her parents would hire out a hall for a party when the special days came.
She said that she only knew one other person that shared her birth date – her uncle.
Muriel said that on the day she was born her aunt had to look after her mother’s shop.
She said that her uncle was disappointed as he rarely got to celebrate his real birthday and Muriel had chosen to steal the limelight.
Muriel doesn’t recall receiving many birthday gifts during the war, when she was in the Wrens.
However, she does remember when her husband, Victor, who was stationed in Egypt, sent her a box of oranges – to the amazement and envy of her neighbours, who hadn’t seen any for a long while.
Victor and Muriel celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in January 2011 but Victor passed away later that year.
Others born on February 29 include composer Rossini, musician and orchestra leader Jimmy Dorsey and actor Joss Ackland.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here