A ‘REMARKABLE’ 104-year-old has shared her unusual secret to long life on her birthday.
Margaret ‘Peggy’ Hailstone was joined by relatives and friends to celebrate the milestone at Overslade House Care Home.
Guests enjoyed a special birthday cake made by the home’s chef, and Margaret’s son Graham also brought cakes in for staff and residents.
The birthday girl said: “Well I don’t feel 104!“
When asked what the secret to long life was, she replied: “Eat an onion and a garlic clove every day.”
Margaret worked in administration at St Paul’s College and learned shorthand and typing.
Before she moved into the care home, Margaret was involved with the Brinklow Revel Ladies and the WI, who were always raising money for the village’s Revel Surgery and St John the Baptist Church – where she also embroidered the cross at the altar.
Margaret also owned a small holding containing 500 chickens at Ansty Aerodrome, which was bombed during the war on many occasions.
She and her mother always cared for people and took in many evacuees from London.
Margaret loved to dance and was a passionate gardener, and had the honour of opening the Brinklow Scarecrow Festival last September.
Margaret has one son, two grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Overslade House General Manager Violeta Baesu said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating a truly remarkable woman 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 hearing many more.”
