Great, great grandma Doris McNicholls celebrated her 100th birthday in style, partying the night away with 100 friends and family at St Stephen's Catholic Club in Droylsden.

The still active centenarian was determined to enjoy every minute and ‘didn’t leave until closing time’ her daughter Ann confirmed.

She continues to live independently with Ronald, her partner for 50 years, regularly takes a taxi to go shopping in Ashton and plays bingo at the Catholic Club and Stanley Street WMC, Higher Openshaw.

Born on March 31, 1922, Doris has lived in Droylsden all her life, bringing up three sons and a daughter single-handedly and has 12 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and one great, great grandchild. 

She was one of the first residents of Hawthorn Road, where everyone in the flats knew her as a good friend and neighbour. It was the same when she moved over to the Sunnyside Road area, Ann recalled.

“Mum is the kind of person who would stop and talk to anyone. Whenever anyone was having a baby, the midwife would go and get Doris to help her,” she said.

Doris worked for many years until her 60s as a barmaid at Droylsden Royal British Legion and Droylsden FC Social Club. At the party last Friday, Doris was particularly thrilled to welcome her nephew Alan who had travelled from London to be there. 

“It was the first time they had seen each other in years,” said Ann.

Doris received a traditional telegram of congratulations from the Queen and the birthday cake followed the same theme. Her celebrations continued over the weekend with a trip to Blackpool.

Images by Nigel Wood

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