Shildon Town Mayor, Councillor Shirley Quinn had an amazing visit to the home of Mrs Majorie Dixon, to present a flower arrangement on the occasion of her 90th birthday.
Madge is a well-known and much-loved lady from Shildon.
Madge was born in Harker Street and lived there with her seven sisters and one brother.
She has had a lovely life and is blessed to have her family and friends around her.
Madge started her working life at Heighington Post Office. She then worked at Shildon Shops canteen where she met and married her first husband, Richard (Dick) Oliver.
Sadly, Madge and Dick only had ten years together as he died of cancer, leaving her to raise her two daughters, Julie and Gillian, in a lovely house on Jubilee Road.
Madge met her second husband, artist Ronnie Dixon and moved to Albert Street where she and her family have lived for 55 years. They had a further son Ian, together.
Madge worked in various pubs and clubs around Shildon over many years: the Bay Horse in Middridge where she worked for 17 years and Jubilee Fields WMC. This suited Madge as she has always been a sociable, welcoming lady.
Madge and Ronnie had a caravan at Redcar, like many from Shildon, where they spent as much time as possible together as a family. Extended family also joined them on occasions, which was a glorious time.
Julie, Gillian, and Ian have all been a great part of her life and she is supported by Julie, Ian and their families still. Unfortunately, Madge lost Gillian a few years ago, which was a great loss to all the family.
Madge has lots of lovely family memories and is surrounded by many photos of them all.
She has a granddaughter, Alice and grandson, Callum for which she has a special bond.
Alice married Martin, whose family in Germany have also welcomed Madge into their family, inviting all of Madge’s family to their home following Gillian’s passing, so they could all grieve together.
Madge admits enjoying the occasional brandy and babycham. Because of her sociable nature, she enjoys meeting with friends, taking family holidays, baking, going on day trips with the Busy Bees and a night in with her grandson watching a film and enjoying precious time together.
During the visit, Madge and Julie prepared sandwiches and baked cheese scones to take along to the BR club, where she will be meeting, as usual, with friends for a game of bingo and enjoying precious, much loved social time, and perhaps a brandy and babycham.
Happy birthday Madge, and many more!
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
