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Celebrating Theresa’s 100th Birthday

We were delighted to join Theresa Newell at her home today, where she has lived for 30 years, as she celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends.

Originally from Ireland, Theresa is one of six siblings and the second oldest. She trained as a tailor in her younger years, but her true passion has always been singing, performing in clubs in Dublin.

After moving to the North East, she became a well-known face in the community. Theresa worked in bakeries in Spennymoor and Ferryhill, where she was fondly known as “the Irish lass from the bakery”, before later working at the White Horse pub in Ferryhill retiring at 74.

Her milestone birthday will be celebrated this weekend at Ferryhill Working Men’s Club with her partner of 15 years, John, and her loved ones.

During our visit, her home was filled with balloons, banners and more than 200 birthday cards. In a generous gesture, she has chosen to donate all of her birthday money to the rehabilitation ward at Sedgefield Hospital.

When asked about her secret to reaching 100, Theresa said: “Getting out and about, a small glass of brandy and my Irish blood.” Before we left, she gave us a wonderful rendition of Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way’.

Happy 100th birthday, Theresa.

Pictured: Graham Darby (Director of Housing and Communities), Theresa Newall (Livin tenant) and John Carrington (Theresa’s partner).