Mayor of Shildon Peter Quinn’s consort, Shirley Quinn, was delighted to present a bottle of Champagne and chocolates to Charles Bisgrove, who celebrated his 100th birthday on 18th February. Charles, who is commonly known as George, was born in Taunton in Somerset. He left school and joined the Royal Navy, which is where he later met his wife Vera, a Chief Petty Officer. They were both based on various ships and worked as cooks; George for around 30 years and Vera for around 25.
Vera was born in Pasture Row, Eldon, and after the couple married George made the move north to be with his wife, buying a house in Victoria Street, Shildon, later moving to Middleton Road.
George was a doorman at New Shildon WMC, while Vera was a member of the Salvation Army in Cross Street. Later in life they went to the over 60s club in the Institute.
Vera sadly died on 2nd June 2001 and George moved straight into Hackworth House. When it closed two-and-a-half years-ago he moved into Bethany House on Woodham Way, Newton Aycliffe.
George celebrated by having tea with his family and friends.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
RIP Uncle George 18/02/1914-13/03/2014 will miss you