Hebburn woman celebrates 100th birthday with two parties and card from the King
by Emily Gray · ChronicleLiveCelebrations have been in full swing at a South Tyneside care home as one of its residents reached her centenary in style.
Margaret Buckingham was joined by staff, relatives, friends and fellow residents at Bedewell Grange as she celebrated her 100th Birthday on November 10.
Margaret celebrated her actual birthday with a party at the Charles Young Centre and as a true Scot had a piper to play her Happy Birthday on the bagpipes.
Born in Glasgow, Margaret moved to the North East to be with her husband Harry, who was from South Shields, to raise her family.
Margaret received a telegram from King Charles and Queen Camilla in recognition of her landmark birthday and was over the moon with special card on her special day.
What made her birthday extra special, was it being the first time staff and residents at Bedewell Grange had seen a card from King Charles and Camilla.
She then continued the celebrations on November 11 with a party at Bedewell Grange to the sounds of Elvis, thanks to local tribute act Mike Memphis - before receiving her final surprise of the day - a special 100 birthday cake made by the home’s chef Andie Glendinning.
When asked about any special memories over the past century, Margaret who was was a busy mam and worked in a children's care home and cafes in the area, said: "Of course having my children and bringing up my family’."
She also spoke of one of her most special memories over the last 100 years "a trip on the Orient Express." After retiring, Margaret enjoyed living in South Shields before coming to Bedewell Grange where she is enjoying a new chapter of her life.
Margaret remains a very active centenarian continuing to attend The Charles Young Centre twice a week and having daily trips out with her family.
Rebecca Travis, General Manager of Barchesters’ Bedewell Grange added: "We’re delighted to be celebrating a truly remarkable lady as she reaches this amazing milestone.
"Margaret is such a popular resident who always has an interesting tale to tell and we look forward to supporting her to continue all of her activities into her next century."
Bedewell Grange care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers. It provides residential care and dementia care for 52 residents from respite care to long term stays.
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