50 YEARS AGO: Surprise party for senior citizens

12:20pm Wednesday 19th December 2007

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CHRISTMAS brought a pleasant surprise for the 170 members of the Radcliffe branch of the National Federation of Old Age Pensions' Association.

For their annual Christmas party at the Congregational School was completely free.

The cost of the festivities was covered by subscriptions and money raised at jumble sales, potato pie suppers, and other functions during the year.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Radcliffe, Alderman and Mrs V. Isherwood, sat at the top table with the oldest members.

Among them were 86-years-olds Mrs Hampson of Wolsey Street, and Mrs Cochran, of Bridgefield Street.

Local sweet manufacturers, Halls Bros (Whitefield), Sweetule Products Ltd, and John Fitton and Co Ltd, sent bags of sweets for all the members.

The members tucked into a tea of tongue, pickles, cakes and scones as they marked the Christmas season.

Entertainment came from the association's own skiffle group, led by Mrs Macnamara. Other performers included Mrs L Lonsdale, Alderman JE Butterworth, Mrs A Smart, Mrs Fairbanks, Mrs Banks, and Mrs Carrington. The pianist was Mrs Kirkman.

The party ended with a supper of pie and biscuits.