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”.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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:
ADVERTISEMENT
Jodie Yates, Averill House Care Home, Averill Street, Newton Heath, Manchester, M40 1PF.
___
You can find more information about Averill House Care Home here.
Trending
‘Hairy men’ needed to play soldiers in returning major fantasy TV series
Thomas Melia
A huge TV series has issued an urgent casting call for, very specifically, ‘hairy men’ to play soldiers.
The exact show hasn’t been named in the casting call, but it’s definitely a major returning fantasy, and is reportedly House of the Dragon, the hit Game of Thrones spin-off.
This big on demand show is set to start filming in just two months’ time, meaning anyone considering shouldn’t wait to apply.
There are a list of key characteristics candidates should have if hoping for this role, including a great work ethic and a professional attitude, something all Mancs like to think we have.
The job description states that no prior acting experience is required, one of the only other things you need to be good at is waking up early (well that’s me out).
Most importantly, headhunters are looking for individuals to take on that have one big factor in common… lots of hair.
On the official website where you can submit your headshots and photos, you will find a mood board filled with ranging hairstyles that fit the desired look the show is going for.
Just one example of a long-haired man who fits the criteria for the returning series.Another similar hair style choice to the guide from the casting call.Credit via Unsplash
Most of the pictures on the site range from long curly locks to big bushy beards – it’s a shame Santa will be back in the North Pole by now.
All candidates must have grown-out hair, ‘overgrown scruff to longer beards’, this means no short, back and sides, or any ‘modern fades’ as stated by the casting team.
If the rumours are true and this turns out to be a shoot for House Of The Dragon, it would be great to see even more Northern talent feature in this show.
It wasn’t too long ago that fans and Mancs alike realised that actor Olivia Cooke, who plays Lady Alicent Hightower, was a local lass herself, born not too far away in Oldham.
One final and important note is that anyone who is likely to apply must make sure they’re 18+ and have a right to work in the UK.
Filming will take place across North Wales and the South East from March onwards, with rate of pay roughly £140-£300+ per day (depending on hours worked).
To apply for a chance to feature in the returning major fantasy series, you can do so by visiting the site HERE.
Greater Manchester set to be battered by ‘impactful’ heavy rain and wind this week
Emily Sergeant
Greater Manchester is set to be battered by some heavy rain and wind this week, according to the Met Office.
While things have seemed surprisingly more settled for the time of year over the last week or so, with clearer skies and chilly winter mornings being fairly commonplace, all that will change very soon, as the Met Office has forecasted that the UK is set to be battered by some ‘impactful’ heavy rain and strong winds as the week goes on.
Low pressure systems will bring a more ‘unsettled’ spell of weather, with a severe weather warning for wind issued for certain parts of the UK.
Today is expected to be filled with grey skies and light rain here in Greater Manchester, with cloud covering much of the rest of the country, and other outbreaks of rain elsewhere, whereas on Wednesday, the focus of rain will shift to southern England instead.
The weather looks set to turn more unsettled during the forthcoming week 🌧️ 🌬️
Thursday is where it’s set to take the biggest downturn though, as a front bringing heavy rain moves eastwards through the day, and it’s us here in North West England that are expected to see the highest accumulations too, with 20-30mm could falling over the hills, and some hill snow even possible over the Scottish mountains too.
A deep area of low pressure will also have ‘deepened rapidly’ by Thursday, bringing ‘strengthening winds’ to western parts of the UK along with it overnight, followed by more heavy rainfall.
Greater Manchester is set to be battered by ‘impactful’ heavy rain and wind this week / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“A very deep area of low pressure will bring a very unsettled, potentially disruptive, spell of weather to the UK through Friday and into Saturday,” explained Chris Almond, who is the Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist.
“Winds will begin to strengthen on Thursday night, with the peak gusts forecast through Friday in Northern Ireland and western Scotland. The wind will also be accompanied by heavy rain bringing some unpleasant conditions to end the week.
“We have issued a Yellow weather warning for wind, and with several days before the impactful weather, the forecast details are likely to be fine-tuned during the week, so stay tuned to your local forecast and keep up to date with Met Office warnings.”
Emily Sergeant -
1st March 2021 
