'Happy Birthday' to town's bonny babies

Published on 26th April 2007 in News

Two triplets who were once a literal picture of health celebrate their 70th birthday on Monday (April 30).

George Albert Booth, of Windermere Drive, and Phyillis Margaret Scott (nee Booth), of Murham Avenue, are the remaining triplets born to Harry and Jennie Booth in 1937.

Along with their sister Alice, who sadly died of meningitis aged 18-months, the newborn triplets were the faces of the baby food manufacturers, Cow and Gate.

There are two photos of the triplets on the advert, which has the title Bonny Goole Triplets and says: "No wonder Cow and Gate was chosen as the food for these bonny triplets.

"Only the best was good enough for Mr and Mrs Booth's children, and the seven Royal children who have been reared on this wonderful food in the last few years.

"Only the best is good enough for you and yours."

Betty Parrinder, one the triplets' older sisters, and now of Immingham, recalled: "For many months, they were an advert for Cow and Gate milk and were photographed as they grew up.

"My [older] sister Pat and I knew we were to have a new baby but when Dad took us into their bedroom to show us the new arrival I remember asking him: "Which one are we going to keep?

"He said: 'We are keeping them all!'

"We were so glad to have our two new sisters and first brother."

Betty, who was four and a half when the triplets arrived, also said: "They were all born at home long before the days of fertility drugs, incubators or washers but they all survived, thanks to the love and care and hard work of our mum and dad.

"It must have been a big shock for them as only one baby was expected - they worked really hard.

"Dad had his own cobbler's shop but each night he did all the washing using a dolly tub and stick.

"Busy but happy times."