One of the oldest supermarket workers in the UK has just celebrated his 90th birthday, and he’s not letting his age stop him.
Ron Ellis, who works as a Customer Service Host at Asda Trafford Park here in Manchester, is not only Asda’s oldest colleague, but at the grand old age of 90, he is now considered to be one of the oldest, if not the oldest, supermarket worker in the whole of the UK.
After working as an estimator for a steelworks company for many years, Ron started out his Asda journey as a store ‘Greeter’, before moving onto the checkouts and self scan areas.
And now, despite his age, he’s loves working as a Customer Service Host four days a week, and has “no plans to retire”.
Ron – who is a widower, and has two sons and two grandchildren – has just celebrated his big birthday (24 April), and to mark the very special occasion, he was surprised by his fellow colleagues who showered him with presents, chocolates, and a card, and also made sure to decorate the checkouts area with balloons.
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Of course, no big birthday celebration is complete without a rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’, and Ron’s chorus was sung by both his colleagues and many of the store’s customers – who, according to Asda, “just love him”.
“I love my job and I’ve no plans to retire,” Ron commented.
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“I’m still going strong and I love coming to work. My colleagues here are brilliant, and we get on so well. When it was my birthday, they were so kind. A lot of people don’t know how old I am, so it came as a surprise, and that day will remain firmly in my memory for the rest of my days.”
Ron also admitted that one of his favourite parts about coming to work is “having a chat with the customers”.
The UK’s oldest supermarket worker from Manchester has just celebrated his 90th birthday / Credit: ASDA
He continued: “We talk about all sorts, including football. I’m a big Man City fan, while many of the customers and colleagues here support United, but it’s all good humoured though as we’re a very friendly store”.
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Catharine Arnold, who works as one of Asda Trafford Park’s Community Champions, called working with Ron a “real privilege”.
“He’s amazing and always has a smile on his face,” she added.
“I hope I’m like that when I’m that age. He’s so very well known by customers and colleagues, they all love him.”
Featured Image – ASDA
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You can now have a private sleepover amongst all the history inside Manchester Museum
Emily Sergeant
Manchester Museum is now offering one lucky family the chance to have a sleepover with Stan the Tyrannosaurus rex.
For the first time in Manchester Museum’s history, one lucky family will be given the chance to experience an incredible night at the museum.
This unique opportunity is being offered as part of a prize draw, allowing visitors to find out what happens once the sun goes down inside the Fossils and Dinosaurs gallery – in the company of Stan, the famous Tyrannosaurus rex, of course.
The Fossils and Dinosaurs gallery is one of the most iconic spaces within Manchester Museum.
Having opened to the public all the way back in 1888, it’s part of the museum’s original building designed by celebrated Alfred Waterhouse, who also designed Manchester Town Hall and London’s Natural History Museum.
Not only will the lucky winning family enjoy an overnight stay in the gallery, but they’ll also be treated to a guided torchlight tour of the galleries after the Museum has closed, as well as other fun activities and a film screening too before bed.
You can now have a private sleepover inside Manchester Museum / Credit: The Manc Group
“We can’t be completely sure what happens when the sun goes down in our Fossils and Dinosaurs gallery, because nobody has ever spent the night in there before, but we can only imagine the kind of fun that can be had with Stan the T. rex and his friends,” said Dean Whiteside, Head of Commercial and Operations at Manchester Museum.
“This is a chance to be a part of museum history and enjoy the kind of once-in-a-lifetime experience you can’t usually buy.
“At the same time, Manchester Museum is a charity so, by getting behind this initiative, you’ll be helping to support vital work that impacts the lives of people across Greater Manchester and beyond.”
Fancy it then? You can enter the prize draw by buying a ticket for £5 from the Manchester Museum Shop, with each ticket counting as one entry and the winner set to be chosen at random from all valid entries.
The prize draw is now open and closes on Monday 28 September 2026.
Featured Image – Supplied
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A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester with DJs blasting 2000s indie and emo anthems
Emily Sergeant
A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester this spooky season.
It’s been nearly 20 years since the release of the titular first film in the Twilight Saga, based on author Stephanie Meyer’s bestselling book series of the same name, but despite two decades having passed, the films remain as beloved as ever.
Twilight went on to become a global phenomenon when it first hit cinemas back in November 2008, not just with its target audience of teens and young adults, but with people of all ages – making stars out of its lead actors Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart in the process, and generating millions at the box office.
With the impact it had on the culture at the time, it’s no wonder Twilight remained among fans’ favourites all these years later.
And this success is why events company Throwback Events is hosting a series of Twilight Raves across the UK and Europe this autumn, making a stop off here in Manchester in late November with tickets now on sale.
The event description reads: “Bella, where the hell you been loca? Join us as we celebrate Twilight at the club, where every day is Hoa Hoa Hoa season.
“Step into the shadows and relive the magic, mystery, and eternal romance of Twilight. Get ready for a night of anthems, nostalgia, and glittering darkness as we transform the dancefloor into Forks’ most iconic vampire coven.”
DJs will be spinning Twilight soundtracks on the night, alongside dark pop, emo, indie, and 2000s bangers, as well as playing fan edits from the films on big screens.
Oh, and to make it all the better, dressing up as vampires and werewolves is ‘highly encouraged’.
Fancy it then? The Twilight Rave is coming to the Deaf Institute in Manchester on Saturday 21 November, and tickets will set you back upwards of £7 each.
Emily Sergeant -
14th May 2024 
