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Meet the real Hilda Ogden

Miles Skinner
18/11/2004

A CENTENARIAN from Moorclose celebrated receiving a telegram from the Queen on Monday.

Hilda Ogden, a resident at Archmore Nursing Home on Sandy Lane was in hospital on her actual birthday, so staff and friends at the home thought a celebration on her return was in order.

Ranging in age from 65 to almost 105, all 16 residents enjoyed a spread put on by the home - including Champagne and Bucks Fizz to toast the birthday girl.

Born 30 October 1904, Hilda began her long life in Oldham, but moved to Middleton at an early age and has stayed ever since. Up until a couple of falls in August she had looked after herself in a warden-assisted home in Middleton Junction.

She worked in the local cotton mills before opening a grocery store in Shore with her husband Fred, who died more than thirty years ago.

The couple had no children, and took advantage of the fact by enjoying frequent holidays - especially around the Christmas period. A favourite destination was the Channel Isle of Jersey.

Her party was set up at short notice by staff at Archmore, who were not sure when she was due to return from treatment at North Manchester General for a bug. Niece and nephew Maureen and Jack Doyle, who attended the event, said: "We have to congratulate the staff at the home. They all put in a great effort for a first class show."

Mags Pilkington, Archmore manager, said: "We all give Hilda our very best wishes achieving such a great age. She is a lovely lady."

Hilda herself told staff: "I was absolutely thrilled. A little taken aback by all the fuss at first, but I had a splendid day."

As for that other famous lady of the same name... the real Hilda is not a fan. As nephew Jack said: "Compare her to the Coronation Street Hilda and my aunt would stamp on your foot - if her legs worked as quickly as her mind!"