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”.
Family-run Greater Manchester business calls out customers for punching cakes
Thomas Melia
A well-known independent Greater Manchester business has taken to social media to call out customers who were caught on CCTV punching their cakes.
Known for everything from cakes and pastries to hot baked goods and custom chocolate designs, Slattery’s in Whitefield has been serving up their gorgeous cake and chocolate creations for over 50 years, all while keeping the business family-run.
Unfortunately, the reason they’re receiving lots of attention at the minute is due to two customers resorting to violence on their pre-packaged sweet-treat products.
The social media account for this Greater Manchester chocolatier has uploaded two images which show the outcome of the fatal blows which struck two of their Victoria Sponge cakes.
Although this punch may have cost them the price of two of their delicious traybakes, later on in the post, Slattery’s issues a big thanks to “All the wonderful families who’ve visited so far this summer.”
“We know cake can be exciting, but a gentle reminder that little bakers should remain under adult supervision at all times – Thank you.”
This third-generation family-run “chocolate wonderland” has brought a smile to many locals’ and tourists’ faces alike with their wide variety of unique-shaped chocolate bars, lollies, grab bags and more.
All throughout 2021, Slattery’s were serving up their moreish Slattery’s Chocolate Lockdown Platters consisting of shortbread, brownies, fudge, pretzels, marshmallows and Oreos, helping Mancs continue to get our sugary fix even during one of the country’s toughest times.
Just look at them – they do the lord’s work:
Slattery’s chocolate shop and bakery has called out customers on social media for punching their pre-packaged cakes / Credit: The Manc Group
As well as attracting visitors with its grand three-storey bakery and chocolate shop, Slattery’s also has its very own restaurant, Mason’s Dining Room, where people flock to attempt the ‘Chocolate Challenge’.
To win, two chocoholics must team up to finish an American-style chocolate fudge cake with chocolate ice cream, a portion of fresh cream and two chocolate pots filled with liquid chocolate sauce – oh and two delicious hot chocolate drinks too.
Any sweet tooth successor will bag themselves one of Slattery’s chocolate medals and a box of handmade chocolates too – in case you needed chocolate anymore.
Lastly, anyone after supporting this Greater Manchester sweet-treat provider can find the chocolatier and cake makers on 197 Bury New Road in Whitefield or via Slattery’s official website HERE.
Featured Images – The Manc Group/Slattery’s (via Instagram)
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Plans to build tower next to Manchester’s historic Britons Protection pub scrapped
Danny Jones
Punters, rejoice: plans to build a large apartment tower next to Manchester’s Britons Protection pub have reportedly been scrapped after a long, drawn-out process and widespread protests.
What a relief.
One of the city’s oldest boozers, the Britons Protection was due to be dwarfed by a large development reaching 26 storeys tall, which not only would have encroached on the cultural landmark and storied watering hole, but also blocked out its popular beer garden to the rear.
We’ve seen a similar loss of outdoor drinking space with the recent St Michael’s development, which has essentially removed the equally historic Sir Ralph Abercromby pub – though it is at least getting a refurb – but in truth, the ‘Protect the Protection’ fight has been going on much longer.
As per a notice published on Manchester City Council’s website this week, it now appears that the plans for 72 new flats have been cancelled, with developers Arrowsmith Management having officially withdrawn their application.
Run by Bahraini businessman Mohamed Abbas Haji, the company is now said to be reassessing its options for the ‘Apex Tower’ proposals.
Speaking to the BBC, Mark Brennan – who took over the pub back in January 2025 – said: “I’m quite happy to be honest, a lot of people say the pub might be busier with more people about, but that doesn’t necessarily translate to people coming in here.”
“It would have looked horrendous… It’s Grade II-listed, so the pub should always be here. It wouldn’t have been a good look, having a big ugly building on top of our building.”
Countless Mancunians have echoed the sentiment over the past few years, with appeals dating back to post-pandemic and a big awareness push in 2021.
Standing for more than two centuries and holding countless awards, it was never going to go quietly.
It also happens to be quite comfortably on our list of the cosiest pubs in Manchester and has been since day dot.
Anyone who’s been in will know the sense of a warm welcome the place always puts out, and we’re overjoyed to hear that years of petitions and campaigning to save it have paid off.
These stories don’t always end with the right outcome (not often enough, anyway), so we’ll definitely be raising a glass to the Britons Protected this weekend.
Unfortunately, we do still have some other sad news from the hospitality sector, as our oldest Manc publican has passed away at a fellow favourite pub.
Emily Sergeant -
4th August 2022 
