Music star's mum rocks on to 100

Reporter: Rosalyn Roden
Date published: 27 January 2017


THE mother of Oldham rock star John Lees is celebrating with family as she turns 100.

Centenarian Martha Lees will mark the occasion at Millfield Care Home today where staff have organised a special party for her.

The mum and grandma spoke with pride about her talented children John and Edna, the eldest of her two children who is a successful artist living in Germany.

She said of John, who founded the rock band Barclay James Harvest, in the late 1960s: "I remember when he was just starting out and then they became a big new band. He became famous and we had his records. He has retired now but we were able to go and see him play.

"I was really pleased with the success that he and Edna found."

When asked the secret to reaching a ripe old age Martha said she has kept active through her enjoyment of dancing and walking.

She said: "We used to do a lot of walking and we went dancing. Everybody loves a waltz.

"I have had the odd cigarette or two but I'm not a drinker - only at Christmas."

Born in Radcliffe Street, Oldham, to parents John and Ethel Kershaw, Martha was one of four children.

She shared about her admiration for her mother who brought her up single-handedly after he father died when she was young.

Her father was a turner at Werneth-based Platt Brothers while her mother worked as a tailoress, often sewing in the family home.

The family went on excursions and enjoyed walking in the hills. Martha appreciated the beautiful scenery in Moorside where she grew up.

Martha started at Beaver Street school when she was five and left aged just 14 when she began work at a printers.

It was at this young age that she met her late husband Fred at Sunday school. The pair were married in 1941 at Holy Trinity Church, in Coldhurst.

Around the same time Martha began training as a confectioner in Lees Road where she specialised in making cakes.

Fred spent his working life in a factory where he undertook metal work and dealt with machinery.

Martha is due to receive a congratulatory letter from the Queen.

She said: "It is not at all expected but it is a nice honour."