Seamstress celebrates 100th Birthday at Beaumont Hotel, Hexham

Peggy Henderson celebrated her 100th Birthday at Lowgate Care Home followed by a party on Saturday March 2 at the Beaumont Hotel in Hexham.

Peggy was born in Greenhead on February 27 1924 but has lived most of her life in Haltwhistle.

After leaving school, Peggy went to work for Armstrong’s of Haltwhistle, a ladies’ fashion and bridal shop, where she learned the skills of seamstress and milliner, under the guidance of Rebecca Armstrong who owned the business with her sister Kitty.

Closeup of Peggy's cake (Image: Lowgate Care Home)

Peggy remembers spending her days in the little attic room on the third floor of the shop, in a job that she loved. She was very happy in her work and stayed close to the Armstrong family and ten years ago at the age of 90, she was still carrying out alterations.

During the war, Peggy worked at Hexham Hospital and then at Featherstone Army Camp, in the Naafi.

Her local sweetheart Frank was stationed in Burma with the RAF; on his return the couple were married in Holy Cross Church Haltwhistle.

Years later they were delighted to receive a card from Queen Elizabeth who celebrated her diamond wedding in 2007.

Peggy and Frank were blessed with a daughter Joanne. The family has grown now with two grandchildren and four great grandsons, all of whom have become Carlisle United supporters because Frank played for them.

Peggy with her family (Image: UGC)

Peggy is an avid church goer and the Holy Cross Church has been a big part of life. She is well known and much loved in the local community, being very involved in the Mothers Union and W.I. More recently, she enjoyed spending time with her friends at the Drop-in Centre in Haltwhistle.

When asked about the 'secret' to making it to 100-years-old, Peggy humbly said: “I don’t know. I suppose I have lived a healthy life.”