If 100-year-old former publican Evelyn Ainsworth ever feels like pulling a pint again, she doesn’t have far to do this given Middlesbrough Grange has its own pub!
Evelyn celebrated becoming a centenarian on 30th May with a party at the home.
The pub in our home, known as The Netherfields Arms, was not big enough to accommodate all of Evelyn’s family, including some who had made the trip over from Australia, residents, and staff, so the party was held in one of the home’s communal lounges.
Everyone was treated to performance from an ABBA tribute act before they enjoyed a party tea where they saw Evelyn blew the candles out on her cake.
Evelyn, who used to run the Steam Packet pub in the St Hilda’s part of town, said: “It was lovely to see so many members of my family and it was nice to share my birthday with the residents and staff, who have all been very generous with their gifts.
“Receiving a card from King Charles and Camilla was especially nice, everyone has made such fuss of me!)
Evelyn has four children, nine grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and seven great, great-grandchildren. Several members of her family sent video messages from Australia, which Evelyn has visited on two occasions.
She says she still remembers running pubs and well after her official retirement she continued to work part-time behind a bar.
She joked: “I could still get up and pull a few pints if I needed too!”
Amanda Richardson, Home Manager at Middlesbrough Grange, said: “It was a fantastic afternoon of celebrations for such a special lady.
“Evelyn doesn’t look anywhere close to being 100, so we’re hoping to celebrate many more birthdays with her at Middlesbrough Grange.”
