A sprightly pensioner who has survived two world wars and two pandemics has celebrated her 103rd birthday.
Great-great-grandmother Margaret Walton, who’s ‘fit as a fiddle’, marked the milestone with a small socially-distant gathering at Hazeldene Residential Home, Blackburn.
The centenarian, who had four children, counts seven grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
She took the opportunity to reflect on her extraordinary life, saying she had ‘no regrets.’
Great great gran Margaret Walton, who’s ‘fit as a fiddle’, celebrated her 103rd birthday on Friday, August 14, with a socially distanced party at the care home where she lives
She was born in Blackburn all the way back on August 14, 1917 – in the midst of the First World War.
Just one year later, when Margaret was a baby, the Spanish Flu pandemic shook the world and then, when she was in her early 20s, World War Two begun.
At the time she worked at a sweet shop but she had to give that up when her father was deployed to battle in order to take on his job at a greengrocers.
Margaret, who has lived in Blackburn her entire life, met husband Harry while holidaying on the Isle of Man in the late 1930s.
The great-great-grandmother was treated to some cake from her children. She has seven grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren
The couple went on to have four children, seven grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren – with one more on the way.
Before Harry’s death some years ago Margaret and her family enjoyed family holidays to Devon in the southwest of England.
Reflecting on her childhood, Margaret’s daughter Denise said her mum was an amazing seamstress and were it not for her the children would have had nothing to wear.
A young Margaret in the 1930s.A keen baker who loved music, she would groove to Bing Crosby and Perry Como
In her younger days Margaret was also keen baker and lover of music, counting old icons such as Bing Crosby and Perry Como among her favourite singers.
Speaking today, Margaret said: ‘I have seen and had many memories throughout my life and experienced everything in life, from all the highs to the lows.
‘I will always be grateful of the life I’ve had and I have lived throughout times where families and friends where put though much heartache but life tests you and when I look back on what I achieved I cannot be happier.
The centenarian said her secret to a long life was not to sweat the small stuff and that ‘life is too short to dwell’
‘I have no regrets and my secret to a long life is not to worry about the small things and enjoy what ever life throws at you, life’s too short to dwell – although it doesn’t seem to be short for me.’
According to one of her carers at Hazeldene Residential Home, Natalie Vernon, nowadays ‘bubbly’ Margaret spends her time entertaining other residents and doing crosswords.
Carer Natalie said: ‘Margaret was so excited to turn 103.
‘She has the best personality, she’s cheeky and loves giving everyone a cuddle.
Margaret with her husband Harry in 1938. The couple met while Margaret was on holiday in the Isle of Wight
Margaret as a little girl in the 1920s. She said she experienced ‘everything in life,’ with many highs and lows
‘Margaret will often ask staff to come and tell her their problems so she can give them kisses or cuddles and tell them her advice.
‘She is the life of our parties and will always be the one dancing the longest.’
Natalie added: ‘Margaret loves her family dearly, she’s always saying how lucky she is to have them.’
Due to lockdown restrictions Margaret couldn’t have the full party which she would have liked.
However, her family were able to sit at the front door of the care home and sing happy birthday to her while she enjoyed some cake and a party inside.