A Southport lady who served during World War Two was cheered as she was treated to a surprise 100th birthday party.
Frances Jackson was shocked as she walked into the Southport Armed Forces Community Hub on Wesley Street in Southport town centre on Saturday (18th January 2025) where a packed room of fellow veterans and friends sang ‘Happy Birthday’.
The special event was organised by Southport Royal British Legion, with President Serena Silcock-Prince and Chairman Major Nick McEntee presenting a 100th birthday cake.
She was also given a 100th birthday card, which had been in the Hub for a week so it could be signed by dozens of veterans and wellwishers.
Frances, who lives in Churchtown, was brought to the party by neighbour and friend Zelda Lewis.
Zelda asked for the event because Frances is a great friend and has been so supportive.
Her actual 100th birthday falls on Wednesday 22nd January.
She said: “It was a lovely surprise. I didn’t expect it! I didn’t know anything about this.
“I am looking forward to receiving a birthday card from King Charles, and also to celebrating on the day itself with my family and friends at Hesketh Golf Club.”
Frances was born in Crosby in 1925 – “we called it Great Crosby back then,” she says.
“I had four brothers, I was the only girl. It was great. I got on really well with all of them.
Frances was married to husband, Rowland, until his death 13 years ago.
During World War Two she served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), the women’s branch of the British Army.
Frances said: “I served in the ATS during the war. I joined up in 1943 when I was 19 years old.
“I was a teleprinter operator. I did my initial training in Warrington and then went to Scotland to complete my training.
“I ended up working in Signals for the Americans in the War Office. We used to work on the teleprinters for 12 hours a day.
“I enjoyed my days working there.
“It stood me in good stead after the war, when I took a job working at Littlewoods in Crosby.
I worked there for nine years before moving to a job in Liverpool.”
Revealing the secrets of reaching her 100th birthday, Frances said: “The secret is just taking each day as it comes.
“I don’t worry about anything. I have a good outlook on life.
“I love going outdoors and feeding the squirrels and the birds on my balcony.
“I don’t smoke, but I do sometimes enjoy a nice gin and tonic.”
Zelda Lewis said: “Frances is brilliant! She is a great friend, and has been so supportive.
“We didn’t realise we were both veterans until six months ago, when I was speaking at a Windrush event at RAF Woodvale.
“It was brilliant at her surprise birthday party. I had been so excited in the run-up to the surprise party, she didn’t know anything about it.
“The veterans in Southport all know Frances, or know of her. It was superb to see so many of them turn up to wish her a happy 100th birthday.”
Southport Royal British Legion Chairman Major Nick McEntee said: “Days like this are what the Southport Royal British Legion and the Southport Armed Forces Community Hub are all about.
“We are one big family, with real family values.
“People come here for friendship, for warmth, for comradeship, and to make new friends. It is a vital part of our town.
“As far as we are concerned, the armed forces community is what we are, which includes serving armed forces personnel, veterans, and families.
“We are here to support each other.
“We really enjoyed welcoming Frances for her surprise 100th birthday party! We would like to congratulate her on reaching such a memorable milestone.
“It was a tremendous turnout and it was brilliant to see so much warmth and such huge support.
“What we do is not just for our benefit, but also for the whole community in Southport.
“You only have to see what we are planning with the Armed Forces Festival in Southport.
“This huge event is all about bringing as many people as possible into our town and benefiting everyone.
“It is going to be the start of the summer season in Southport.”
Southport Royal British Legion President Serena Silcock-Prince said: “It was a beautiful moment seeing the huge smile on Frances’ face when she walked into the Hub for her surprise 100th birthday party!
“It was a privilege to be able to share this special occasion with her. We’re all very grateful for the work that her close friend, Zelda, did in keeping everything secret and bringing her there.
“It was a really lovely day shared with lots of really supportive veterans.
“Happy birthday Frances!”
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