Anne, 100, joins Barkers’ big celebration

Anne Coward, who celebrated her 100th birthday in June, returned to the High Street store in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, where she worked for 23 years as a cook to cast an eye over the restaurant.

Joined by Guy Barker, the 26­-year-­old son of managing director Charles Barker and the latest generation to join the family business, Ms Coward helped Barkers celebrate the past and the future at the unveiling of its revamped first­ floor restaurant.

The new 180­-seater restaurant is now open to the public. Ms Coward, who lives in Peppergarth in Romanby, joined Barkers at the age of 55 in 1970, and loved it so much she didn’t retire until 1993.

She said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my 23 years cooking at Barkers and the friendships I formed with colleagues, which is why I didn’t retire until the age of 78. I got so much satisfaction from cooking food for customers during my time at Barkers and receiving their feedback.

“I was delighted and honoured to be asked to perform the opening ceremony for the newly refurbished restaurant.”

Charles Barker said: “We were delighted to welcome Anne back to the store as she was an extremely popular and respected member of staff, who is still remembered very fondly by us all.

“We wanted to celebrate our history, as well as look to the future by inviting Anne and Guy to perform the opening ceremony.”