Words and images by Trevor Baxter
CHRISTMAS came early to a Stalybridge care home as residents Mollie and Ivy celebrated landmark birthdays within the space of days
Mollie Birch, who has lived a large part of her life in Stalybridge, was 103 on December 5.
Then great, great grandmother, Ivy Axon, from Dukinfield opened cards and presents to mark her 104th birthday on December 8.
King George V was on the throne when both were born while David Lloyd George was Prime Minister.
Councillor Michael Glover, the Civic Mayor of Tameside, visited both ladies at Millbrook Care Home on Huddersfield Road to present flowers and join other residents offering best wishes to the sprightly birthday girls.
Earlier this year, Ivy was guest of honour and invited to cut the ribbon at the opening of a new extension at Dukinfield Medical Centre.
Her family, including son and daughter, Colin Axon and Kath Germain, attended the celebrations.
Ivy, who puts her longevity down to a banana a day and hard work, also has four grandchildren, five great grandchildren plus two great, great grandchildren, Sophie (4) and eight-month-old Riley.
Retired for 44 years, Ivy previously worked at Senior Service in Hyde and at one stage was responsible for 1200 staff.
Mollie was born in Manchester but has lived most of her life in Stalybridge where she also worked at Futura shoe manufacturers and CPA in Carrbrook.
She is a mum to four children, a grandmother of eight as well as a great grandmum to six.