A woman who celebrated a milestone birthday could well be Congleton’s oldest resident.
Alice Harrop turned 106 years old last Monday (20th July) and celebrated the day surrounded by family and friends at Clayton Manor Care Home.
The care home called the day a “truly special occasion” that was filled with “music, laughter, delicious food, and the warmth of family”.
Mrs Harrop has a “very large” extended family, with six children, seven grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
Her daughter Gwen Barlow, (83), said she was “so lucky” to have her mother as her best friend and “rock”.
She said: “We were a happy family, and it was just lovely – my parents never let us go short of anything.
“I feel so humble – she’s just my best friend.
“When I lost my husband, she was my rock – she has always been the one to go to.”
Mrs Barlow recalled a recent event at the care home where young women were “in awe” of her mother and said “what an interesting lady and what a life she must have had”.
Mrs Harrop celebrated her birthday next to her sister Jean Treacey, who celebrated her 100th birthday in May.
The pair live hand-in-hand just three doors down from one another at Clayton Manor Care Home and shared their “extraordinary” story with the “Chronicle”.
While Mrs Treacey is no longer mobile, Mrs Harrop walks down the corridor every night for their evening chat.
Both women lived independently until they moved into the care home last year.
They said their secret to living a long life was “dancing, walking and laughing together” while having “great family support”.
The sisters were born and bred in Buglawton and were described as having a “full circle moment” when they moved to Clayton Manor Care Home, which was formerly the Springfield Hotel – where the sisters worked as staff in the 1960s.
The “inseparable” sisters enjoy days out with the Beartown Rickshaw and spending time together with their family.
The “Chronicle” contacted surrounding care homes to find out if Mrs Harrop could be the oldest resident in Congleton.
Astbury Mere Care home’s oldest resident was 102 years old, Priestly Field Care Home could only claim 100, Park Lane Care Home bagged 103, Bradwell Court a spring chicken of only 94 and Heliosa Nursing Home had a 101-years-old.
Any readers who know someone older then 106 and living in Congleton should contact the “Chronicle”.
