Lady Margaret looks back on "wonderful" century

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Lady Margaret Bemrose, widow of one of Derbyshire's best-known captains of industry, looks back on 100 years of life with Evening Telegraph reporter Shirley Brooks.

Lady Margaret at the age of 12

As a young girl, Lady Margaret Bemrose studied music in Germany and Denmark, performed across Europe and even met one of the most important figures of the 20th century, Indian politician Mahatma Ghandi.

Lady Margaret, who went on to become one of Derbyshire's most respected figures, looked back at her colourful life as she celebrated her 100th birthday in May 2008.

The active pensioner, who can still walk unaided, saw the occasion marked with celebrations in her honour, including parties and concerts.

Sitting at her home in Hazelwood, Lady Margaret, widow of the late Sir Max Bemrose, former chairman and managing director of Derby printing firm Bemrose and Son, recalled her passions, including her love of classical music and travelling.

"I've had a wonderful life," she said. "As a child, I used to climb trees. I had two older brothers and I was always trying to keep up with them.

"I've always been able to walk without support and I've always travelled.

"I went to Israel and the Holy Land with Max. It was fascinating.

"When we visited Egypt, I had to restrain my husband from diving into the Nile."

She was born Margaret Le Mare in Hertfordshire, when Edward VII was king and Sam Cody had just flown the first powered aircraft in Britain.

Lady Margaret became an accomplished violinist, studying music and singing in Dresden and Copenhagen and playing in a private orchestra.

She said: "I used to play with an orchestra until fairly recently. I still enjoy listening to music. I like the old composers, Mozart and Mendelssohn."

At the weekend, Lady Margaret's love for music was celebrated when the Halle Chamber Players performed a private birthday concert at Ecclesbourne School, Duffield, in her honour.

As a teenager, Lady Margaret met Indian philosopher and politician Mahatma Ghandi in 1931 while helping her aunt, Muriel Lester, at a community centre for the poor in London.

She said: "My aunt was a wonderful woman, a wonderful Christian. It was an exciting period to be alive.

"Ghandi wanted to stay in the East End of London because he wanted to be near the poor.

Lady Margaret with her husband Sir Max at their home in Hazelwood

"He stayed with my aunt and I would show him around because he didn't know the area and I did. I treated him just like a friend."

She met and married her husband in 1933. He had studied at Derby School and Cambridge University before joining the family firm in 1926.

Eventually, he was made chairman of Universal Printers Ltd, in Derby, where he was responsible for four print firms, including Bemrose and Son. Derby's Bemrose Community School, in Uttoxeter New Road, was named after the family because of their services to education.

The couple, who moved to Derbyshire in 1952, became well-known in the county's business, charity and political circles and Margaret became president of Derby Ladies' Luncheon Club.

She also became a member of the European Union of Women and was an active member of the Conservative Party.

She still enjoys living in Derby but noted that many things had changed over the last century.

"I think people's attitudes are different now," she said. "Life is much faster."

Today, she will mark her birthday with a small get-together for her family, including daughter Paddi Cunningham, of Manchester, four of her grandchildren - Jonathan, Thomas, Patrick and Rachel - and six of her 10 great-grandchildren - Gregory, Claudia, Eliza, Lois, Max and Neve.

Lady Margaret pictured as she marked her 100th birthday in May 2008

Her son, Tony, who lives in Melbourne, Australia, was not well enough to fly over for the big day.

Mrs Cunningham said: "Mum loved travelling and she loves to talk about where she went with my father.

"They went skiing in Europe for their honeymoon and also travelled to America, South Africa, and Australia.

"Mum has always been fun to be with. I had a very happy childhood."

Lady Margaret remains active and a keen nature-lover.

She said: "I still walk without any help. I walk around my garden often.

"I like going to Kedleston Hall and Carsington Water.

"Religion has definitely helped me in life. I used to go to the church but now the vicar comes to my home.

"I pray to God every day."

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