County Durham Centenarian Turns 103, Remembers D-Day and Queen’s Card
Margaret Haswell, a remarkable 103-year-old, recalls D-Day and treasures a card from the late Queen Elizabeth II
Consett, County Durham, D-Day, Queen Elizabeth II, WAAF, Bingo
Consett: Margaret Haswell just celebrated her 103rd birthday! Can you believe it? She heard D-Day on the radio and even has a birthday card from the late Queen.
Margaret’s journey started in an Edinburgh orphan school. During World War II, she became a Corporal in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force. Quite the life, right?
Born on January 15, 1922, she and her brother were raised by their grandparents. After school, she worked as a housemaid but soon joined the WAAF when the war kicked off, training as a radio operator.
She was stationed all over, but her time in Ouston, County Durham, was her first taste of the North East. After the war, she worked as a welder in Team Valley and eventually settled in Gateshead.
Even in her 80s, Margaret was adventurous! She visited Saudi Arabia for five years straight, often traveling solo and staying with family. She loved exploring the local library during her stays.
Her daughter, Anne, shared that Margaret vividly remembers the sounds of D-Day and the planes flying overhead. It’s a memory that’s stuck with her all these years.
Anne also mentioned how independent Margaret is. Just last year, she stopped cooking for herself! People are always amazed to learn she’s 103.
Margaret still enjoys playing bingo, using six cards at a time! Everyone at the church hall knows her, and she’s still going strong.
Receiving a birthday card from Queen Elizabeth II for her 100th birthday was a highlight for Margaret. Her granddaughter, Deborah, calls her an “amazing grandma.”
It’s heartwarming to see how much love and joy Margaret brings to her family and friends. Here’s to many more happy years ahead!