Celebrating Margaret Coles, a centenarian in our community

We recently joined Chesham community members to celebrate one of our oldest residents, Margaret, who turned 100 years old. 

In a well-attended ceremony in Townfield’s communal lounge, friends, family, neighbours and Cllr Majid Ditta, the Mayor of Chesham, gathered to celebrate a century of life with Margaret Coles, who was born in Enfield on 23 September 1922. Rapinder Kalar, Neighbourhood Manager, presented a bouquet of fresh flowers to Margaret on behalf of all of us at Paradigm. 

In appreciation of our support, Gill, Margaret’s daughter said: “Mum was overwhelmed on the day, but very flattered with her friends, family, neighbours and Paradigm going to so much trouble to celebrate her special day. She said it truly was the best birthday she has ever had.” 

Margaret’s parents owned a general store in Walthamstow. She joined the Land Army when she turned 18 and was tasked with carrying out all the jobs on the farm whilst the farmers were sent to war. Margaret says those were the best days of her life.  

She then worked on a fruit farm in Sudbury, Suffolk and was the first female milk recorder for the milk monitoring board in Ipswich, driving to work in a Morris 8 car. 

In June 1944, Margaret married Chief Petty Officer Tristram Roy Anthony Alfred Perry in Newcastle; they had 3 children, Tony, Sandra and Gill. Margaret has 6 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. 

She moved to Rickmansworth in 1966 and was a live-in house mother at a children’s home. She worked for the AA for 10 years until she retired. 

Margaret has been one of our cherished residents in the Townfield OPS community for the past 17 years. In recent years, she has been a passionate gardener and has won several awards for her work. She was presented with a prize by Percy Thrower when she worked in the gardens of a pub called the Whip and Collar. She won more awards from ‘Chesham in Bloom’ in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.  

It was a delight and a privilege to join in her 100th birthday celebrations.

Happy birthday Margaret!