Having a twin is a truly remarkable experience. The bond formed between two people who have shared their lives since birth is something unique. Imagine having someone who understands you in ways that no one else can, someone who has been with you through every phase of life, from the beginning until the end.

For twins Edith Dumbleton and Dorcas Tobin, this bond is especially precious. Hailing from Banbury, England, the two sisters recently celebrated a milestone – their 101st birthday. Despite living over 80 miles apart, the pair maintains a strong connection, meeting every week, a testament to their unwavering bond.

Born on June 28, 1920, in Banbury, Edith and Dorcas are thought to be among the oldest living twins in the UK. They were born 45 minutes apart, an event that marked the beginning of a shared journey. Over the decades, they have witnessed major events in the world, including the reign of four different monarchs and the leadership of 25 different prime ministers. Their resilience and longevity have been a source of inspiration for many.

Edith and Dorcas have lived through extraordinary times, and they have truly made the most of the long lives they’ve been granted. “It’s marvelous we’ve got to this age,” Edith remarked, noting how rare it is for anyone they know to reach such a milestone. “We’re still going strong and get the best out of it we can,” she said, reflecting on the blessings of their long lives.

Edith’s daughter, Christine Bemand, who is 67 years old, spoke about her mother and aunt’s humble beginnings. The twins’ father was an engineer, but tragically, he passed away when they were just three years old. Their mother, a resilient woman, raised Edith, Dorcas, and their siblings alone. The family lived a frugal life, but as Christine pointed out, the modest upbringing never seemed to hinder them.

As the years went by, Edith found love with Fredrick, and together they had three children. They were married for 50 years until Fredrick’s passing at the age of 89, 15 years ago. Dorcas, too, found happiness in marriage with Horace. Their union lasted for 30 years, and they had two children together. Horace passed away at 80, leaving Dorcas with a wealth of memories of their life together.

The sisters have a large, loving family between them. They share five children, 13 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren, with each generation adding to the warmth of their family circle. Christine recalled how, as children, she and her cousins spent a lot of time together. Edith and Dorcas, though living on different sides of Banbury, made it a point to meet regularly, and the cousins enjoyed playing together, especially during holidays when the families would go on trips to places like Bournemouth.

Until eight years ago, the sisters lived just a short distance from each other on the same road in Banbury. However, as Edith’s health began to decline, she moved in with Christine and her family. Despite the distance now between the sisters, with Edith residing in Leominster and Dorcas in Banbury, their weekly visits remain a cherished tradition.

Edith, now struggling with almost complete blindness and limited mobility, still looks forward to her time with her sister. Their visits are a heartwarming sight, with Dorcas often bringing gifts, like a homemade bread pudding or fresh tomatoes, while Edith enjoys surprising Dorcas with a chocolate bar. These gestures, small as they may seem, carry deep significance for both sisters.

Christine shared that the twins were never indulged with luxuries growing up. Their diet was simple and modest, but it was nourishing. Despite not having much in terms of material wealth, the twins never seemed to want for anything more. Their expectations were grounded in reality, which helped them avoid the frustrations that come with unfulfilled desires.

Dorcas expressed gratitude for the life she and her sister have shared. She acknowledged that their lives were not filled with wealth, but they were rich in experiences. There were hardships, of course, but the good times were plentiful and far outweigh the bad. According to Dorcas, the key to their longevity is not a particular diet or exercise regime, but rather a life lived without undue stress.

Both Edith and Dorcas value their time together deeply. Despite the miles between them, their commitment to each other is unwavering. Every Tuesday, Dorcas makes the two-hour journey to visit Edith, ensuring that their bond remains as strong as ever. During these visits, they spend time chatting, reminiscing, and simply enjoying each other’s company.

When Dorcas is not visiting Edith, she enjoys spending time in her greenhouse, where she finds peace and fulfillment. Gardening, Christine said, keeps her active and engaged, and it seems that Dorcas is in better shape than some much younger people. For Edith, although her gardening days are behind her, the love for the hobby still lives on.

The year they turned 100, the pandemic prevented the twins from celebrating together in person. But when they finally had the chance to celebrate their 101st birthday in June, they did so with their family at a cozy country pub. The joy and love shared between the two sisters were evident in the way they connected, despite the challenges life has thrown their way.

Edith and Dorcas, though separated by distance, remain inseparable in spirit. Their remarkable bond, formed in the early days of their lives, has withstood the tests of time and remains a source of inspiration. They show us that true connection knows no bounds, whether physical or emotional, and that a life well-lived is one full of love, family, and cherished memories.