A woman who sadly had her 100th birthday party plans put on hold said it was a day she would “never forget” after she was surprised with more than 600 cards.
Jean Cricthon – from Wakefield in Yorkshire – was left in tears after carers brought bags full of birthday cards, flowers and chocolates from senders all over the world for her 100th birthday after the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic meant she couldn’t celebrate as originally planned.
She had originally planned to invite family and friends around for a big party.
But luckily, her carers – who visit Jean four times a week at her home where she still lives alone – decided to post a card appeal on social media to mark the special day.
Just a day after posting the appeal online, the carers received their first card and they didn’t stop coming for two weeks, to the point they lost count after 600. Children from local primary schools sent her hand drawn letters, while a chef sent her her favourite meal – roast beef, Yorkshire pudding and trifle for dessert.
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Carers described the heartwarming moment surprising Jean – who marked her 100th birthday on 12th December – which saw her welling up as she opened and read every single wish she received.
Speaking on the surprise, Jean said: “I can’t believe there are so many kind people,
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It’s a day to remember and a day I will never forget and I wish I could say thank you to every single person. I have to thank Sarah and the carers who have put this together for me [and] I would like to thank all the children who went through the trouble of making beautiful cards.
“It will take me a long time to forget this, it’s been a very happy day for me and one I shall never forget.”
Jean Cricthon / Complete Care West Yorkshire
The kind gesture was organised by carers from Complete Care West Yorkshire, who posted the appeal on Facebook on 1st December asking for people to send in cards and it quickly snowballed into something “absolutely amazing”.
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They said Jean was the “loveliest woman” who deserved “this, and more”.
Jodie Bedford – Team Leader at Complete Care West Yorkshire – said they were overwhelmed by how many cards and flowers were sent in each day, adding: “We had people being so lovely from all over the world sending in cards, gifts, and well wishes – it was really overwhelming, but it’s nothing less than what Jean deserved in the incredible life she lived,
“She is such a strong willed, funny, and just lovely woman and she deserves this and more.
“She had something planned with her family, but obviously with COVID they had to be cancelled, and we thought she’d been through so much in her life it would be wrong not to be celebrated.
“We were getting cards and flowers every day – it was incredible.
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“She just had a room full of biscuits, chocolates, a restaurant sent her favourite meal which roast beef, Yorkshire pudding and trifle dessert.
“It was just a lovely day.”
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Manchester band Westside Cowboy release ‘thrilling’ debut album that critics are calling one of the year’s best
Emily Sergeant
One of the UK’s best rising bands have released their debut album today to glowing reviews from critics and fans alike.
Jimmy Bradbury, Reuben Haycocks, Aoife Anson O’Connell, and Paddy Murphy – better known together as Westside Cowboy – formed back in 2023 when they were students at the Royal Northern College of Music, so while they may not all be from Manchester, they definitely have the spirit of our city at the heart of everything they do.
After playing in different bands across the city throughout their student years, the four-piece joined forces to create Westside Cowboy – an indie rock collective credited with self-coining the genre of ‘Britainicana’.
Put simply, Britainicana is a cultural concept that mixes the hazy, mythic feel of American country and folk, with the sound of raw British punk, indie rock, and small-town life.
Westside Cowboy have released their debut album, It Goes On / Credit: Clementine Schniedermann (Press Shots – Supplied)
If that sounds like your cup of tea, then you’ll be pleased to know that Westside Cowboy have released their debut album, It Goes On, to the world today (21 August).
And the reception from critics, arguably, couldn’t be better.
Prior to the release of their debut album, the band had released two EPs, including So Much Country ‘Till We Get There in January earlier this year, and had started to make a name for themselves with their popular debut single ‘I’ve Never Met Anyone I Thought I Could Really Love (Until I Met You)’ in 2024.
They went onto make even further waves when they supported equally-rising American rock band Geese on their UK and Irish tour back in March – with many fans calling it one of the best support and main act combinations in some time.
Three singles from their debut album were shared with the world ahead of its release – ‘Kick Stones (The Boys)’ came first, followed by ‘Pin Up Boys’ and ‘Dobro’.
So, it’s fair to say the anticipation for album was high… and if the reviews are anything to go by (which we think they are), it looks like the band has very much delivered what they set out to achieve.
Westside Cowboy’s debut album It Goes On is now available to stream, or you can purchase a physical copy in a range of formats from their website here.
Take a listen👇
Featured Image – Press Shot (Supplied)
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BBC Introducing LIVE is back with events across the North for grassroots music artists
Emily Sergeant
BBC Introducing’s flagship live event will return with a huge lineup of activities for aspiring musicians and music creators this autumn.
To celebrate and champion undiscovered talent across the country, BBC Introducing LIVE will include an array of live performances, immersive workshops, educational panels, and networking opportunities for grassroots artists, DJs, and music creators, all at the start of their careers.
Introducing LIVE will head across the UK, including hosting four special gigs in Leeds and a songwriting camp in Manchester.
The BBC Introducing Songwriting Camp is an invite-only event offering an ‘unparalleled’ experience for artists and creatives to develop skills and collaborate with industry professionals in a real music studio.
Then, on Saturday 28 November, BBC Introducing will host four showcases across Leeds, celebrating some of the best new music from across the UK – with independent music venues The Wardrobe, Belgrave Music Hall, and Oporto all taking part.
While up in Sunderland, following the success of BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend there earlier this year, a special takeover event will take place at The Fire Station – with a day of panels, workshops, open mics, and an industry feedback centre planned, all designed to support and inspire the next generation of musicians and music industry professionals.
Other northern cities hosting events during this year’s programme are Gateshead, and major music city Liverpool.
Many successful artists, including the North’s very-own Sam Fender, as well as big names like Ed Sheeran, Raye, Olivia Dean, and Loyle Carner, all began their careers with support from BBC Introducing.
“Championing and nurturing artists and creatives is at heart of everything BBC Introducing does, and so I’m excited that Introducing LIVE will be returning in November for our biggest year yet,” commented Kelly Betts, who is the Editor of BBC Introducing.
“BBC Introducing will be at events, panels, and gigs across the UK giving emerging talent the opportunity to learn from industry experts, make music and connect with fellow artists.
“Music has the power to unite, inspire, and shape our culture and BBC Introducing’s flagship event will help some of the UK’s rising stars on their journey to achieve this.”
Emily Sergeant -
18th December 2020 
