103! Raise a glass to Edith

EDITH MILNE: birthday cheers!

PROUD Oldhamer Edith Milne celebrates her 103rd birthday tomorrow.

Hard work and staying active have always played a big part in the life of the independent great-great grandmother.

She lived at her own home in Derker until eight months ago and now lives in Oakdene Residential Care Home, Lees, where she will celebrate her birthday with family and friends.

Born in Bower Street, Derker, Edith went to school in the morning and worked in a mill in the afternoon.

She went full-time at Lees and Wrigley’s Mill, Glodwick Road, at the age of 14 and later worked in various roles including a cook in the mill canteen.

She retired from her job as a cleaner at Breeze Hill School at the age of 72.

A keen singer, during the First World War Edith entertained wounded soldiers at Oldham Coliseum and the former Royal Theatre in Horsedge Street.

Married to Clifford, who died 31 years ago, they had five children before the family expanded to include 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

She marked her 100th birthday by taking a trip in a stretch limousine.

Daughter Maureen Gartland (72), from Salem, said her mother still liked to look smart.

She said: “She’s a very proud woman and that has kept her going.

“She tells us what she wants and she still has us buying her new dresses. She loves to talk to people and speaks her own mind.”