The Mayor of Ferryhill, Councillor Angus Ferguson, was invited along to visit local lady, Theresa Newell on Thursday 7 May, as she celebrated her 100th Birthday, presenting Theresa with a birthday card and a bouquet of flowers on behalf of Ferryhill.
Theresa was born in Dublin on 7 May 1926 and lived there until she married John Newell, originally from East Howle, Ferryhill, on Boxing Day in 1956. After the wedding the couple flew back to Newcastle. It was Theresa’s first visit to the North East and they moved into 7 Dormer Terrace, East Howle to live in with John’s family. John worked at the pit as a Blacksmith. Eventually the couple got a home of their own in East Howle and in later years moved to Newton Aycliffe, but eventually returned to Ferryhill, where she still lives now.
The couple had five children, Paul, Bernedette, David, Angela and Kevin. Sadly, Theresa lost her husband John in 2003 and their sons Paul in 2006 and David in 2015.
Theresa is very well travelled. She loved her holidays and often went back to Dublin to see her mam, brothers and sister. She had many holidays, mostly coach holidays with her husband John. They loved going away and it was a standing joke with the family that they would have to make an appointment to see them, they were away that much.
Theresa has always loved singing, she was a regular visitor on a Saturday night at the Square and Compass in West Cornforth. She is always singing around her home and is the first one to start a sing song off at any family gathering. She is having a singer at her party on the condition “she sings with him”.
In her youth, Theresa worked in the garment industry in Dublin and when she moved to Ferryhill she worked as an outworker at home for a clothing manufacturer. She also worked in Coombers in Spennymoor for many years and then for the rest of her working life she worked in Carrick’s bakery in Ferryhill village. Today she is still recognised from working there.
Theresa had seven grandchildren but sadly lost Darren in 1996 aged only 13 years old, and she has nine great grandchildren.
Fourteen years ago, Theresa found companionship with John from Hartlepool, whom she met on one of her many coach holidays. They have enjoyed many holidays together including cruises, which Theresa loved. They get together as much as they can.
Theresa celebrated this amazing milestone of 100 years with a party with family and friends. Mayor Ferguson said: “it was a privilege to be invited along to join in Theresa’s 100th Birthday celebrations and wonderful to meet Theresa and her big family as she celebrated this milestone birthday.
“What a story she had to tell and what a great voice she had when she gave a rendition of My Way. She certainly has done it her way! A remarkable woman, and and example to us all.”
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
