Margaret Seagrave – A Life of Strength, Style and Family

When we sat down with Margaret for a chat, she smiled warmly and began right at the beginning.

“I was born in Langley Mill on the 20th of September 1937,” she told us. As the eldest of four, with her brother Walter and sisters Janice and Evelyn following behind, Margaret remembers growing up quickly. Her childhood was shaped by wartime Britain, and she still recalls hiding under tables during the Second World War. “That’s something you don’t forget,” she said gently.

But alongside those serious memories were simple childhood joys. Margaret spoke fondly of playing whip and top, hopscotch, and carefully dressing her china dolls. She laughed as she told us about breaking one doll’s head and trying to fix it with paper. “I thought I’d done a good job,” she said with a twinkle in her eye. School, she admitted, wasn’t her favourite place. She attended an all-girls school on Elnur Street in Langley Mill. “I didn’t really like school,” she said honestly, “but I made a good friend – Cecilia.” In fact, Cecilia became one of the most meaningful friendships in Margaret’s life. After losing touch for many years, the pair were reunited 50 years later – a reunion Margaret clearly treasures.

As we talked about work, Margaret reflected on her varied career. She was an usherette at the local cinema, worked in sewing factories, and became a garment checker at Mauley’s clothing factory in Heanor, working alongside her sister Evelyn. She also worked as a cleaner at Newstead Colliery in Derbyshire. After moving to Lincolnshire, she worked in a snack bar and later spent nearly 20 years cleaning for a lady called June. “We became very good friends,” Margaret said. It was clear that for her, work was always about people as much as the job itself.

When asked what she is most proud of, Margaret didn’t hesitate. “My family,” she said firmly. She spoke with pride about her two children and about helping her daughter Lorraine raise her granddaughter Kelly, ensuring she would always have a loving home. Family, throughout our conversation, was at the heart of everything.

We couldn’t talk to Margaret without mentioning her style. She laughed knowingly. “I’ve always liked to look nice.” Margaret has always been a very particular dresser, spending time each morning choosing her outfit – often with her great-granddaughter Kaitlin helping her decide. She would never leave the house without her scarf, hair perfectly set, and makeup done. “Mind my hair,” she joked, explaining how her family teased her about using half a tin of hairspray every morning. Margaret told us about dancing with her husband Maurice, playing card games with her great-grandchildren (“I’m not a good loser,” she admitted), and cooking her well-known meat and potato pie. She also spoke proudly of being part of the Women’s Institute in Hogs Thorpe and attending the New Life Christian Fellowship in Skegness. Community life clearly brought her great happiness.

Travel has given Margaret many special memories too. She loved bus trips to Chapel St Leonards with her great-granddaughter Kaitlin and her friend Peggy. Holidays in Norfolk with Maurice were especially dear to her heart – “Cromer was my favourite,” she said. She also shared fond memories of Northumberland, Devon, the Isle of Wight with her son Neil, and taking her great-granddaughter Madison to Skegness for her birthday. Some of her stories made us all laugh. She told us about her uncle Les convincing everyone in the Peak District that a monster was coming, sending them running in mock panic. And then there was the day she made the local newspaper when a queen bee landed on her front door, followed by a swarm, leaving her stuck inside until a beekeeper came to help. “That was something,” she smiled. A defining moment in Margaret’s life was her 50th wedding anniversary with Maurice – a
milestone she speaks of with deep affection. Even now, she sometimes plays her late husband’s keyboard, often with Kaitlin beside her, keeping those memories close.

Margaret also shared a more reflective lesson. After losing her sister Evelyn at just 59, she realised how precious time is. “Make the most of your family,” she said softly. It’s advice she holds dear. When we asked what brings her the most joy now, her answer was immediate: “Seeing my family.” They are, as she says, her everything. At 88 years old, Margaret is proud not only of her age but of the closeness she shares with those she loves. And if she could offer one piece of advice to younger generations, it would be something she often told her granddaughter: “If only I knew then what I know now.”

Spending time with Margaret, listening to her memories and laughter, reminded us that a life well lived is built on resilience, friendship, love – and always taking the time to mind your hair.