A pair of Stockport sisters who are believed to be the UK’s oldest twins have shared their secret to a long life on their 103rd birthday.
Elma and Thelma are celebrating a milestone not many people achieve.
Born in Cheadle Heath on 3 August 1919, with Elma arriving around 30 minutes before her sister, the twins are marking their 103rd year of life and looking back on their humble beginnings, which stared with attending Alexandra Park School, before starting working as packers and labellers at Smiths Crisps at the age of 14, and eventually getting married, settling down, and starting families.
Elma married joiner Bill Hewitt, and Thelma married hatter Joseph Barratt, just as the war started, and they both went on to have two children and welcome many grandchildren.
Elma lives in and calls Stockport her home, but as Thelma now lives in Kirkham in Lancashire, the twins say they don’t get to spend as much time together as they used to, but they told the MEN that they still make sure to speak on the phone at least once a week.
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They mostly like to catch up and find out “who has had a baby, who has done what, and who hasn’t”, and when they do get together, they still like to enjoy trips to the seaside and days out.
Happy birthday to twins Elma and Thelma who turn 103 today. 🎂
The pair from Stockport say brandy and food is the secret to their long lives! pic.twitter.com/9GtELsxeDV
The centenarians were reunited for a surprise 103rd birthday celebration with their families this week, which Elma told BBC North West she “didn’t expect” and was “so wonderful”, while Thelma added that is was “lovely”.
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“Especially because we don’t get together very often,” she added.
Thelma’s son Tony said it was even more special to be able to bring the pair together this year as the COVID-19 pandemic had understandably kept them apart for recent their birthdays.
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The fun-loving pair are admittedly still pretty relaxed about turning another year older though, as when asked if they are looking forward to their birthday, Thelma said “it’s just another day”.
Elma and Thelma were born in Cheadle Heath in Stockport on 3 August 1919 / Credit: Family handout (via BBCNWT)
But what exactly is their key to living a long life then?
Well, according to Thelma, she joked that her longevity must be down to her love of food, while Elma said she “likes a drink” and opts for a brandy and lemonade – but insisted it must always be served in a brandy glass without ice.
And most importantly, Elma says we must “keep smiling – don’t worry”.
Data reveals Manchester hotel prices have ALREADY surged by 462% on rumoured Oasis tour dates
Emily Sergeant
Manchester hotel prices have apparently already surged by 462% on rumoured Oasis tour dates, some new data has revealed.
Of course, absolutely nothing is set in stone yet and we are still yet to receive any form of announcement.
But with rumours having been swirling for months now that Oasis will be touring again in 2027, and several videos shared on the band’s social media platforms this week also hinting at that, it’s been revealed that searches for ‘when are Oasis tickets going on sale?’ have soared by 5,000% in the last seven days alone.
After recent data has pointed towards soaring searches for tickets, the experts at SeatPick decided to analyse the average cost of accommodation in Manchester on the suspected concert nights in June 2027 to uncover if prices have surged along with the searches.
Data reveals that Manchester hotel prices have already surged by 462% on rumoured Oasis tour dates / Credit: The Manc Group | Simon Emmett (Press Picture)
And lo and behold, it appears that they have.
The ticketing platform has revealed that hotel prices have surged by up to 462% during Oasis’ rumoured concert nights in Manchester.
The rumoured weekend date of 19 and 20 June has experienced the most noticeable price surge – with a two-star hotel costing an average of £216 for just one overnight stay.
The data also reveals that the rumoured finale on the 27 June has just a £95 difference between two-star hotels (£200) and five-star hotels (£295).
“Our analysis uncovered an enormous markup for local accommodation on nights that Oasis is rumoured to perform in Manchester,” explained Gilad Zilberman, who is the CEO at ticket platform SeatPick.
“Being aware of these accommodation costs and additional expenses can help fans plan and avoid being caught off guard by inflated prices on concert nights.
“To find the best deals on hotels, concertgoers should scan budget chains in the city or look slightly outside of the centre in hotspots served by local bus routes or regional trains, such as Salford and Trafford.
“Booking early might also be beneficial for fans dedicated to seeing the band perform.
“You can opt for free cancellation options, in case rumoured dates change, or you’re no longer able to attend.”
Featured Image – Point3D (via Unsplash)
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Aldi confirms ‘special’ 62-hour closure of all its 1,000+ stores across UK
Emily Sergeant
Aldi has announced that it’ll, once again, be closing the doors of all of its stores across the UK for 62 hours this year.
Christmas is always known to be one of the busiest periods of the year for the retail industry, and Boxing Day has a reputation for being the ultimate day for shopping deals and discounts in the UK – but this year, just like it has done on several years in the past, Aldi has made the decision to close all of its stores nationwide on this bank holiday.
The supermarket retailer says it wants to thank its colleagues ‘for all their hard work’ throughout the year by giving them some extra time to spend with their families.
This means that all Aldi stores will be closed on both 25 and 26 December.
That’s not all though, as stores will also be closed on New Year’s Day, and will reopen once again on Saturday 2 January 2027.
Aldi has announced a ‘special’ 62-hour closure of all its UK stores / Credit: Aldi UK
Opening hours at different Aldi stores across the UK will vary in the lead-up to Christmas, so it’s important to check the times for your local store, but the retailer has confirmed that most branches will be operating extended hours to ‘ensure customers can stock up ahead of the big day’
In the interim period between Christmas and New Year, stores will reopen as usual on Sunday 27 through to Wednesday 30 December, with reduced hours also likely on Sunday and New Year’s Eve.
Speaking on the decision to shut up shop for a full 62-hour period this festive season, Rachel Geary, who is the Communications Director at Aldi UK, said: “Christmas is a special time for our customers, but it is also one of the busiest periods of the year for our teams.
“Our colleagues work incredibly hard to ensure customers can pick up everything they need ahead of the big day.
“We never take that effort for granted. Closing our stores on Boxing Day is one way of saying thank you and giving colleagues a proper chance to rest, switch off and spend more time with the people closest to them.”
Emily Sergeant -
4th August 2022 
