Dorothy marks centenary !

Residents and staff at Stamford Court Care Home, Stalybridge came together this week to celebrate a remarkable milestone for one of their own.

Dorothy, who turned 100 just a few days ago, received a flood of birthday cards and well-wishes, marking her century of life with warmth and cheer. The celebration, which included a family party, captured the spirit of community that surrounds Dorothy in her later years.

Dorothy shared reflections on her life during the event, remarking with modesty and charm, “I think I’m like most people, 100. An old lady. Women and old ladies,” she joked. Despite the chilly autumn weather outside, Dorothy noted how comfortable and cozy the home was on her special day, creating the perfect setting for gathering with loved ones.

Her highlight, Dorothy claims, was her wedding day in 1946 at St Andrew’s Church, High Blackley, a vivid memory she recalls clearly, right down to the September date.  

Dorothy’s journey spans a series of local moves, from High Blackley to Hadfield near Glossop. After her husband passed away, she settled to Stamford Court, following a serious accident. She credits the care home for providing not just shelter, but a sense of family and belonging, saying, “I’m fed well and kept warm and that’s the main thing, isn’t it?”

A proud matriarch, Dorothy’s life has been defined by family, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren. “We’re a five-generation family, so we do well together, all of us,” she smiled. Reminiscing about her first job as a shop assistant in a ladies’ boutique, Dorothy described years spent working among “gowns and mantles, hosiery and underwear,” before devoting herself to married life and motherhood.

“It’s just trying to work as a mother, family and home with everything to do with that,” Dorothy explained when asked about the secret to longevity. Her interests, she said, are sewing, reading historical novels, and spending time with family.

Dorothy also recalled living through World War II as a young woman. “No, it wasn’t a nice time. There was lot's of sadness around with men and ladies dying in the war,” she shared. Yet, she remains grateful for having been well looked after, never lacking essentials despite the turmoil.

As festivities drew to a close, Dorothy was thanked for sharing her story. Her warmth and resilience left a lasting impression, inspiring friends, family, and fellow residents.  

Happy 100th birthday, Dorothy!

The following poem from Sarah Leah, Dorothy's granddaughter:

A hundred years, well, blow me down!
The sassiest lass in all the town!
Born in Manchester, quick and clever,
Still keeping us on our toes forever!

A tailoress with style and grace,
She’d stitch a frock at record pace.
But when the war came knocking loud,
She swapped her thread, and made us proud!

Bullets, not buttons, she made by the pile,
With lipstick on and her cheeky smile.
“Take that, Hitler!” she’d sometimes say,
Then brew some tea to end the day.

Then came Charlie, lucky lad,
From Wakefield way (not bad, not bad).
She saw his grin, he liked her flair,
And boom! A love story right there!

Three daughters next, what a run!
Katherine, Janet, Diane, done!

She wrangled nappies, laughs, and tears,
(And maybe muttered “Just one more beer…”)

Peace returned, and off they sped,
To Hadfield life,  “Enough said!”
At Stiles Close they made their mark,
Making Rowntrees Sun-Pat jars from dawn till dark.

Yes, peanut butter was their trade,
And what a sticky life they made!
(If you came home without it, mind,
Dorothy’d tell you exactly what to find!)

Years rolled on, the clan just grew,
Grandkids, greats, and great-greats too!
Five generations, what a crew!
There’s always noise (and biscuits) too.

And now she’s here, our birthday queen,
One hundred, sprightly, sharp, and keen!
Still loves a gossip, loves her brew,
And might just dance before we’re through!

So raise your glass, both high and hearty,
To Dorothy’s century, what a party!
From Manchester roots to Hadfield hill,
She’s fabulous, feisty, and laughing still!

Listen to Dorothy talking to our Reporter, Mark Andrews