03 Nov 2025
A remarkable St Albans resident who has lived through World War II, five monarchs and 21 Prime Ministers has celebrated her 102nd birthday surrounded by family and friends.
Margaret Davies marked the milestone occasion with cakes and a party at Verulam House Care Home in St Albans, where she has lived for the past four years.
Born in Letchworth in 1923, Margaret was just 16 years old when the Second World War broke out in 1939.
She spent the war years becoming a skilled seamstress following the Government’s ‘Make do and Mend’ campaign, which encouraged people to make and repair their own clothes to conserve resources for the war effort. Her talent for dressmaking continued throughout her life, and she always made clothes for herself and her family.
Margaret married Ken Davies in 1964, and together they raised a large family of four children – three girls and a boy. She is now a great great-grandmother.
Throughout her working life, Margaret was a secretary in various organisations including the NHS and a school for children with special educational needs. She eventually became head of the typing pool at Eastern Electricity in St Albans.
Margaret and Ken shared a love of travel and would go caravanning to Devon with their beloved cats and dog, creating cherished family memories.
Margaret’s granddaughter, Toni Boswall, who visits every week with her dog, said: “Nan had such a good birthday. She has led a wonderful life and I think the secret to her long life was her very happy marriage to our granddad, Ken. He was an old-fashioned gentleman who took care of her and she always knew she was loved.
“Due to her dress-making talents she had beautiful clothes and always looked very elegant.”
Verulam House home manager Neil Copping added: “It was a privilege to celebrate Margaret’s 102nd birthday with her, and her family and friends. I made sure I got my guitar out to serenade her on this very special occasion.”
Despite her age, Margaret enjoys regular visits from her family and friends and takes part in various activities with the team at Verulam House.
