Eric parties his way to 100

Eric Nicklin celebrated his 100th birthday with a family party at his home in Kimberworth.

Born at Clifton Grove, the elder of twin boys, he enjoyed playing at neighbouring Clifton Park, his brothers and sister lifting him over the garden wall into the park.

Daughter Hazel White said: “He loves dancing — his favorite was Fred Astaire — and loved The Carlton on Ship Hill in its heyday.

“This is where he met his wife Betty and they danced the nights away together.”

Betty, who died in 1989, also had a son, named Barry, with Eric, and Eric now has grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Eric, who turned 100 on October 11, worked in the steel industry all his working life, finishing as a chief estimator, and was founder and later MC of the Kimberworth Park and Wingfield Social Club.

Hazel added: “He was MC at Sheffield Top Rank with The Freddie Gray Band and was still dancing at The City Hall well into his 80s.

“He loves journeys out in the countryside and is a very sociable person with a great sense of humour.”