Salvation Army - Over 60's Club

Ernie Sharpe & Hilda Surridge - by Kit Malin for the ET

Hilda and Ernie celebrate 102nd birthdays

An Over-60s club celebrated when two of its members turned 102.

The Salvation Army club in Rushden held a birthday party for Hilda Surridge and Ernie Sharpe.

Mrs Surridge was 102 on Wednesday, May 7 and Mr Sharpe's birthday was on Thursday.

The club meets every Thursday at the Salvation Army when members enjoy entertainment each week, but this was a special occasion for them.

About 80 people attended the party on Thursday and enjoyed a cake and a sing-song.

Secretary of the club Betty Emerson said: "We wanted to celebrate because we think it is an enormous achievement to have two people celebrating their 102nd birthday. We celebrated both their 100th and their 101st birthdays as well and we are all waiting now to celebrate their 103rd. "We had lots of fun on the day with a cake and entertainment and sang all their favourite songs from over the years."

Mrs Surridge, of Rushden, has always been a keen reader and told the Evening Telegraph on her 100th birthday that is her secret to a long and healthy life, as reading keeps the mind sharp.

Mr Sharpe, also of Rushden, said the secret for a long life was healthy eating and a busy social life.

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