Una reaches 100 - thanks to California!

CHEERS! Una Hopkinson, 100 today

AMATEUR theatre fan Una Hopkinson celebrates her 100th birthday today.

The Uppermill resident was heavily involved with Crompton Stage Society a a performer for over 20 years.

Una began her hobby with Crompton Stage Society when she was 17 and featured in a string of productions, winning local theatre awards under her stage name Una Hughes along the way until her only daughter, Wendy Barlow, was born in 1945.

Mrs Hopkinson was born in Cheshire and grew up in Shaw, but has lived in Uppermill for many years.

Today she received her letter from the Queen to commemorate the landmark birthday and will celebrate the occasion at a party with friends.

For the last 38 years, Mrs Hopkinson has travelled to Palm Springs, California each winter to stay with her daughter. She believes this could have helped her to reach such a grand age.

“The sunshine in Palm Springs helps!,” she laughed.

“Time has flown by and life has just gone on. I never thought about reaching 100. I’ve made lots of new friends because I’ve outlived all of mine. I keep my mind active and I’ve not been ill since I was 50.”

Mrs Hopkinson has a granddaughter, two great-grandchildrenand a great-great granddaughter.