LITTLE RITA CELEBRATES HER 100TH BIRTHDAY IN STYLE

Long term Eccles resident, Rita Archer celebrated her 100th Birthday party with a surprise party in Eccles precinct laid on by Yvonne and Colin who run The Eccles Coffee Bar, surrounded by family, friends and well wishers.

Rita who originally hails from Glasgow visits the Coffee bar twice a day and is a regular fixture there, she told me that she worked in munitions in Glasgow during World War Two, she has three sons and moved to Eccles in the 1980s.

Her son John and his wife Maggie had travelled from Aberfeldy in Perthshire to help her celebrate the milestone event along with many friends from Eccles there was also a visit from the Ceremonial Mayor of Salford, Councillor, Ann Marie Humphrey's who presented her with a bunch of flowers, a card and a box of chocolate courtesy of Salford Council.

There was a constant flow of cards and gifts coming to her table from well wishers which was great to see as the community came together to celebrate as Yvonne led along a mass sing a long of Happy Birthday to Rita.

Yvonne told me that Rita calls every day to her stall and thought they would surprise her with a birthday party, they laid on food and refreshments for 100 people, a birthday cake and presents, a magnificent gesture I thought and so typical of them, as they really are a community asset, organising bingo sessions twice a week and day trips to the seaside several times a year for their regular customers.

Ann Marie Humphrey's said that it was a pleasure to be invited along by Yvonne and Colin and was delighted to see the community spirit shown on this special day and wished all the best.

Rita tells me that for her the secret of long life is plenty of fresh air and keeping active, and admits to a liking of watching sports on the television... and why not!

From us at Salford Media, have a wonderful birthday and plenty more!