Dance lover toasts 90 years

A BALLROOM dancing enthusiast has celebrated her 90th birthday.

Joyce Griffies, from Park House Lane in Prestbury, was joined at her home by four generations of her family and friends, who toasted the special occasion with gin and tonics and a special 90th birthday cake.

The great-grandmother of-three used to love going dancing with her late husband, Bert, and also kept herself fit by walking everywhere, as she has never driven.

Daughter Joan Griffies said: “Everybody used to know mum years ago when she’d walk into Prestbury village.

“That kept her fit but she likes her food too.

“We always joked that when she’d go on a diet she’d eat Ryvita crispbreads but then add half a pound of butter or cheese on top!”

The former machinist at a Macclesfield mill also loves the Queen and was given a book about her on her birthday by Joan.

But the Macclesfieldborn nonagenarian has had her share of local fame too, appearing in the Express ten years ago on her 80th birthday.

A keen traveller, she has been to South Africa and Australia but nowadays can most often be found watching her favourite soaps – Coronation Street and Emmerdale – or enjoying her favourite films – old Westerns featuring John Wayne.

Joan said: “She loves her soaps. She wishes she could still dance too and do a little waltz but she’s a bit unsteady on her feet these days.”