LISTEN TO THE CILLA MORRIS INTERVIEW

In the tight-knit coastal community of the Isle of Wight, Cilla Morris is a celebrated figure, known not just for her longevity but for her tireless energy and dual-devotion to Shanklin Bowling Club and the Shanklin Theatre. Having recently hit the incredible milestone of 100 years old, Cilla is often held up as the gold standard for active aging on the Island. 

Cilla has been a fixture at the Shanklin Bowling Club for decades, embodying the social and competitive spirit of the sport. Even as she approached her centenary, Cilla remained an active member of the club, participating in matches and club events. Her presence on the green is a link to the club’s long history as one of the Island’s premier bowling venues. She is widely recognised for her “never-give-up” attitude, often seen encouraging younger players and maintaining the high standards of sportsmanship that the Shanklin club is known for.

While she is a master of the bowling green, Cilla is equally famous for her role as the most senior volunteer at the Shanklin Theatre. She was one of the original volunteers to sign up for the Friends of Shanklin Theatre (FOST) when the venue was saved and reopened in 2010. For over 14 years, she served as a regular usher, welcoming thousands of theater-goers with a smile. Her 98th birthday was famously celebrated during a “Coffee, Cake and Chat” event at the theatre, where she was honored as their oldest active volunteer.

Reaching 100 on the Isle of Wight is no small feat, and Cilla’s milestone was a point of pride for the “Bay” area (Shanklin, Sandown, and Lake). Her 100th birthday was a community affair, marked by messages of support from fellow bowlers and theatre-goers alike. Cilla often attributes her health and sharpness to staying busy. Between the focus required for a perfect lawn bowls delivery and the social buzz of the theatre, she has stayed at the heart of Shanklin’s social fabric.