Special celebrations BY JOHN SCHEERHOUT AND JAMES HOLT with a special person
IT’S another year of joyous celebrations at the Chestergate Pub in Stockport, with loved ones welcoming in another new year together in harmony.
But for 85-year-old Molly Webb, the night just wouldn’t be the same without a special moment beside her late husband Brian, who she spent a happy 53 years with before his passing.
A regular of the popular Stockport pub, famed for its karaoke and humble atmosphere, widow Molly wouldn’t be anywhere else...and she has her beloved Brian by her side through it all.
She lost Brian eight years ago, but always vows to take him with her before the anticipated countdown to midnight.
Speaking to the Express on Sunday night (December 31) as she kissed her pillow, Molly said: “I have to have that [cushion] every New Year’s Eve and Christmas Eve because I miss him so much.
“We were together for 53 years.
“He died in the October when our anniversary was in the December.
“He knew me from school, we were only going out together eight months and we were married.”
Before he died, Molly and Brian would make an effort to go out and celebrate New Year’s Eve, always making sure to quickly nip outside for a moment together, wishing one another a ‘happy new year’ before heading back in to join the countdown.
Last year, Molly said: “I bring my husband (Brian) out with me every year at it was always a special night for us.
“We’d always leave wherever we were at about 11.50pm and say ‘happy new year’ to each other before going back in.
“I always have him by my side.”
The Chestergate made headlines last year, going viral after a video of punters enjoying a night of drinking and karaoke was shared to social media.
Fans from as far away as Los Angeles even commented they were tempted to make a visit.