For many of us, the prospect of making it to our 100th birthday really does seem like a lifetime away, but for one Mancunian, this landmark age is only around corner.
Marjorie Burke is a resident at Newton Heath-based Averill House – a purpose-built care home that offers residential memory and nursing memory care for those living with dementia – and she is getting ready to celebrate her 100th birthday on 4th April.
She is described by those who work at the home as being “a big character”.
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Having lived most of her 99 years in and around the East Manchester area, Marjorie had proudly worked at both Martin’s Bakers & Sandwich Makers in Failsworth, and at Supported Living Facility, Malcom House in Newton Heath, before retiring and arriving at the Averill Street care home in July 2018.
As well as being a “much-loved” resident at Averill House, Marjorie also has two sons and a “very loving family” outside of the home.
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And it’s this love that has inspired her carers to mark Marjorie’s 100th year in a way she will never forget.
Averill House Care Home
To accompany the card she is set to receive from Queen Elizabeth II as she becomes a centurion, the home’s team of Wellbeing Coordinators – who are assisted by suggestions from the residents in organising a varied year-round programme of things to do – have asked the Greater Manchester public to help them surprise Marjorie by also sending her a birthday card.
They are hoping to collect 100 cards for her to open on her 100th birthday.
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Speaking on why the card appeal is so important to the team and why they are so keen to get everyone involved, Jodie Yates – Wellbeing Coordinator at Averill House – said: “All of our staff really want to make this a special occasion for Marjorie, as it’s not every day you turn 100.
“This is why we’re asking for 100 birthday cards – one for every year of her life in celebration of this milestone.
“She is amazing”.
Marjorie Burke / Averill House Care Home
With just over four weeks to go until the big day is finally here, Averill House is asking that all members of the public who wish to send a card, do so by 2nd April, so that they arrive in time for Marjorie to open on her birthday morning.
The cards can be addressed and sent to:
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Jodie Yates, Averill House Care Home, Averill Street, Newton Heath, Manchester, M40 1PF.
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You can find more information about Averill House Care Home here.
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Bury actress Kate O’Flynn wins big at 2026 Emmys with record-breaking comedy show
Emily Sergeant
Did you know that one of the big winners at the 2026 Emmy Awards last night was actually an actress from Bury?
In case it wasn’t on your radar, American television‘s biggest night, the Emmys, took place yesterday evening over in Los Angeles, and several records were broken in the process – including Apple TV’s comedy horror Widow’s Bay taking home the most Emmys ever for a single series of a comedy show, with 14 of them.
Widow’s Bay tells the story of mayor Tom Loftis, played by Welsh actor Matthew Rhys, who is trying to boost tourism on his rugged New England island, but must navigate several strange events that suggest it might be cursed.
Created by Katie Dippold, and executive produced and directed by Hiro Murai, Widow’s Bay was released in late April to widespread critical acclaim.
At the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards last night, the show scooped a record 14 awards, including for Outstanding Comedy Series, several acting wins, and wins for directing and writing too.
One of those acting wins was Kate O’Flynn for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series – an actress who hails from the Greater Manchester town of Bury.
Kate stars as Patricia Moyer, mayor Tom’s eccentric assistant in the show.
She grew up in Holcombe Brook near Ramsbottom, and was educated at Bury Grammar School, before she went on to train at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Acting in 2006.
Taking to the stage to accept her award last night, Kate said in her speech: “I want to thank our mayor [Matthew Rhys] and all the residents of Widow’s Bay, in front and behind the camera – you’re amazing. This is the role of a lifetime, thank you Katie and Hiro for trusting a Lancashire lass to play a sassy broad like Patricia. And thank you Apple [TV] for saying yes.
“Thank you Nicky and Tony for looking after me, my family back home, my mum and dad, and the loves of my life, my husband and our darling daughter – another sassy broad in the making.
“This is for all the Patricias out there, see you at Sunset Cocktails to celebrate. Thank you.”
Featured Image – The Television Academy (via YouTube)
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M&S launches new Too Good To Go partnership – with NINE Greater Manchester stores signed up
Emily Sergeant
M&S has finally decided to partner with food waste charity, Too Good To Go.
As of yesterday, a total of 350 M&S stores across the UK – including nine major sites in Greater Manchester – now offer new Too Good To Go ‘Surprise Bags’ that are made up of surplus bakery goodies, giving customers the chance to collect quality food at a reduced price at the end of the day directly from in-store bakeries.
The launch follows a trial in a select number of UK stores, and the Surprise Bags will include bakery treats such as pastries, cookies, and fresh bread.
The partnership with Too Good To Go is the latest move in M&S Food’s work to reduce surplus food and ensure good food doesn’t go to waste.
Greater Manchester stores that will be taking part in the new Too Good To Go partnership include Manchester Market Street, Trafford Centre, Stockport, Spinningfields, Prestwich, Wigan Robin, Bolton Middlebrook, Bury The Rock, and Ashton Moss.
Each of the Surprise Bags will include three to four bakery products to a minimum retail price of £10.20 for just £3.80.
Available Monday to Saturday, customers can order their Surprise Bags through the Too Good To Go app, and collect them one hour before their local store closes.
“It’s great to be involved in this new launch with Too Good To Go to help reduce food waste,” commented Chris Parker, who is the Store Manager at M&S Bolton Middlebrook.
“Our in-store bakeries are incredibly popular with customers, and at the end of the day, customers will now be able to order and collect surprise bags offering fantastic surplus bakery products at great value.
“By finding new ways to re-purpose surplus products, we’re helping ensure more food is enjoyed rather than wasted. This partnership is another positive step towards reaching our goal of halving food waste by 2030.”
Emily Sergeant -
1st March 2021 
