On 18 August, the UK’s sixth oldest person, Margaret Schaap, marked her 111th birthday with a celebration filled with music, laughter, family and friends — and, true to form, plenty of activity.
Margaret, who lives in Sandhurst, Berkshire, celebrated her milestone birthday with around 50 guests gathering to honour her remarkable life. The festivities included ballroom dancing and a lively game of bingo, which proved particularly popular with guests and indeed, the birthday girl. As the celebrations came to an end, guests raised a glass of fizz to Margaret, wishing her many more happy and healthy years ahead. Among those joining the celebrations was the Mayor of Sandhurst, who personally wished Margaret a happy birthday and described her as “an amazing and very active lady”.
Margaret’s extraordinary longevity has seen her live through more than a century of remarkable change. Born a twin on 18 August 1915, during the First World War and when George V was on the throne, she has witnessed the reigns of five monarchs and the tenure of 24 British prime ministers. Yet Margaret has never been one to sit back and watch the world go by. She has always enjoyed keeping busy, particularly through gardening and crafting, and continued to play competitive tennis until her late 80s. Today, at 111, she still lives independently in an annex next door to her daughter.
(Source: Bracknell News / Paul King)
Her enthusiasm for staying active extends into the local community. Margaret continues to help at her church’s baby and toddler group, where she particularly enjoys the painting table. Her passion for art has also led her to sell her own watercolour paintings at summer and Christmas fairs.
Asked about the secret to her remarkable longevity, Margaret offered an answer that perhaps captures her character best: “Being interested in things and people and helping people to do things. I never sit still for very long!” At 111, Margaret’s zest for life shows little sign of slowing down — and her birthday celebrations provided a fitting tribute to a woman who has spent more than a century staying curious, creative and connected to the people around her.
LongeviQuest extends its warm congratulations to Margaret Schaap on her 111th birthday. We wish her continued good health and happiness.
