Sleeping in a volcano could be Belsize Park scientist’s secret to reaching 100th birthday
James Nelson with friend Sara Mark. Picture: Nigel Sutton - Credit: Nigel Sutton
A scientist and inventor who founded a scientific instruments firm in Belsize Park – and once slept in a volcano – has celebrated his 100th birthday.
James Nelson with friend Sara Mark. Picture: Nigel Sutton - Credit: Nigel Sutton
James Nelson reached his century on Friday before marking the milestone with a party at the Henderson Court Resource Centre in Fitzjohn’s Avenue, Hampstead, yesterday.
The Scottish chemical physicist enjoyed a slice of cake surrounded by old friends and fellow users of the Age UK-run centre.
He said: “I feel the same as I did. It doesn’t mean much to me, I have no worries. My secret is pure thoughts.”
Mr Nelson founded McCrone Scientific Limited in 1964 from his home in Lyndhurst Road, where he still lives, before moving the company to Belsize Lane.
You may also want to watch:
He developed instruments that are still used today, including the McCrone Micronizing Mill, and his areas of expertise included asbestos and gemmology.
His friend Sara Mark, 72, of East Heath Road, Hampstead, who worked at McCrone for 40 years, revealed he has led an active and intrepid life – even spending a night in a Lanzarote volcano with his late wife Doris.
Most Read
- 1 Jeremy Corbyn launches Peace and Justice Project with calls to action
- 2 Arsenal 'showing maturity' says David Luiz
- 3 Arsenal boss Arteta worried about player burnout
- 4 O2 Centre: developer Landsec 'looking to re-provide' Sainsbury's
- 5 Homeschooling in lockdown: Top tips for a north London parent
- 6 Is lockdown working in north London? Here's what the latest data tells us
- 7 Joan Bakewell fires legal threat to government over second Covid jab
- 8 Arsenal column: Granit Xhaka the stand out performer since Boxing Day but some of his senior professionals continue to disappoint
- 9 Lord's Cricket Ground used as Covid-19 vaccination centre
- 10 Ozil travels to Turkey as Arsenal exit looms
“He’s such a charming man,” she said. “He’s always had a great sense of humour. It was lots of fun working together.”
Laurie White, manager of the centre, said: “He’s been a member for 10 years and he still comes for exercise classes, which obviously must be working.”