102...it’s May’s big day

May Holland celebrates her 102nd birthday

BIRTHDAY cheer followed festive fun for a smiling Oldham pensioner as she celebrated her 102nd birthday yesterday.

Sprightly May Holland was surrounded by friends and family at Park House Residential Home as she toasted her latest landmark.

One of four children, May lived in Lennox Street and was brought up by her uncle and aunt after her mother died in childbirth and her father was killed during the First World War.

She worked in mills around Oldham and married the love of her life Ernest, her neighbour, in 1936. He died 29 years ago.

A party was held at her home yesterday to honour her, with son Kenneth joining in the celebration.

Home manager Barbara Connolly said: “She is extremely feisty, such a positive person and an outgoing lady.

“She is always wanting to help others and keeps fit.”

An gifted artist, Amy painted well into her 80s and still loves to indulge in the inspiration for many of her paintings, nature.

Barbara said: “She loves the outside world and likes to sit outside, watch the world go by and admire the flowers.

“May loves landscapes and is convinced that plenty of fresh air has kept her going.”