Girl who delivered Sheffield's first crisps to pubs turns 102

A grandmother who was born in a Sheffield chippy and delivered the city's first ever crisps to pubs has celebrated her 102nd birthday.
Dora Rixham has celebrated her 102nd birthdayDora Rixham has celebrated her 102nd birthday
Dora Rixham has celebrated her 102nd birthday

Birthday girl Dora Rixham celebrated the tremendous milestone with friends and family at Beechy Knoll care home in Richmond on Sunday.

Born and raised in Tom Green’s fish and chip shop, on Brightmore Street, near Weston Park, which was named after her father, Dora fondly remembered ‘plenty of fish and chips’ as a child.

Dora Rixham with her brother George, far right, and youngest son MichaelDora Rixham with her brother George, far right, and youngest son Michael
Dora Rixham with her brother George, far right, and youngest son Michael
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She said her father was the first person in Sheffield to sell potato crisps – and Dora would deliver the salted treats to pubs across the city as a young girl.

Dora, who has one brother, George, said: “We had plenty of fish and chips as children and we absolutely loved it.

“My father was the first man to sell crisps in Sheffield too. When I was about 12-years-old, I would walk round all the pubs selling tins of crisps.

“I was well-known at the time.”

Dora Rixham with her brother George, far right, and youngest son MichaelDora Rixham with her brother George, far right, and youngest son Michael
Dora Rixham with her brother George, far right, and youngest son Michael

Dora married husband John aged 24 in St George’s Church, near Jessop’s Hospital, and they had two sons together.

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Dora said she worked many jobs in her life, including at Tennants Brewery and in a flower shop.

But when work was done, Dora and John – who died aged 81 – loved nothing more than dancing to the classics, including Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra.

Dora, who is still on her feet and is feisty as ever, still enjoys her music and remains very partial to a spot of dancing.

She said: “We didn’t have much money, but we were always happy. We were never well-off, but we had enough.”

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On the secret to a long life, Dora said: “Never be a worrier. Just do what I’ve always done – carry on regardless.”

Offering another pearl of wisdom for The Star’s male readers, Dora said: “I don’t care what they say, cuddle your girl three time a day.”

n If you know somebody celebrating a special birthday, call 0114 276 7676 or email [email protected]