Keeping active is key for 100-year-old Dorothy

Dorothy Berry - 100 yesterday

KEEPING busy is the key to living to a ripe old age says Dorothy Berry, who celebrated her 100th birthday yesterday.

Dorothy, from Hollins, believes her active life is one of the reasons she has reached her landmark birthday - even though she’s had to slow down a bit in recent years.

Dorothy and her husband Harold were well known as the owners of Berry’s in Union Street, a coffee shop and confectioner from 1960-1975.

Her son Andrew says she loved welcoming customers to the busy outlet - a popular stop for schoolchildren, art school students and visitors. She was also an active member of the town’s history group and keen bridge player.

Born in Middleton Road, Chadderton, she grew up in the Travellers Rest pub in Royton — now the Bluebell — after her grandfather took it over.

One of her two sons, Christopher, died nine years ago but her other son Andrew and Dorothy’s three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren celebrated her birthday yesterday at Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust’s Butler Green facility, where she is recovering after a stay in hospital.

As well as a beautifully-decorated “100” cake, Dorothy also got a telegram from the Queen during yesterday’s celebrations.