Hard work and a drop of brandy — the secret to a long life

100 year old Florence Teal

WORKING hard while bring up a young family almost single-handedly is the secret of one centenarian’s longevity — that and a drop of brandy!

High Crompton resident Florence Teal celebrates her 100th birthday today with a party surrounded by family and friends.

One of 10 children, Florence was originally from Moston and worked as a weaver at Woods Mill, Harpurhey, from leaving school at the age of 14.

She went on to work for comedian Bernard Manning behind the bar at his Embassy Club in Manchester and also served at the Land O’Cakes pub in Manchester.

Florence married at 23, but her husband died, aged 33, from septicaemia following a work accident.

She would work in the mill during the day and as an usherette in the cinema at night, while also raising her children with the help of relatives.

Her daughter, Joan Broughton, said: “She has been a widow with three children since she was about 25. There was no single parent help then. She worked until she was about 72. She worked really hard behind the bar and loved it.”

Florence moved to High Crompton to live with Joan in Two Acre Drive two years ago. She also has a son, Terry Teal, and four grandchildren. Her other son, John, died last year aged 73.

She has one remaining sister Winifred (89), who lives in Royton.