North Shields woman who worked as Swan Hunter secretary celebrates her 100th birthday
A North Tyneside woman is celebrating her 100th birthday on September 11. Doreen Dawe, who was born and raised in North Shields, and continues to live there, celebrated her milestone birthday with a party surrounded by her loved ones.
Ahead of the big day, the celebrations started early last Friday - as Doreen was treated to a VIP trip in a Mercedes driven along the coast. She was then joined by her friends and neighbours in Cullercoats for a party at Sandpiper pub, where everyone enjoyed a drink, buffet and cake, as the pub was filled with balloons and decorations to mark the occasion.
When asked the secret to living a long life, Doreen replied: "A good plain diet with the odd tipple!" Born on September 11, 1924, Doreen has found memories from her younger years when she attending first Collingwood school, before moving up to the former Ralph Gardner High School on Albion Road.
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As Doreen's friend Helen Weston recalls: "Doreen was disappointed when it was pulled down. She had a medal of her sewing achievements up on the school walls that she'd remember and talk about each time she passed."
During the Second World War, which began when Doreen was only 15 years old in 1939, she was employed as a key skilled worker at the Plywood Factory as part of her reserved occupation, and helped play a vital role in the war effort.
Doreen then embarked on a career working at shipyards for 17 years, and spent a further 17 years at the River Tyne's most famous shipyard, Wallsend's Swan Hunter, in her role as a secretary which she thoroughly enjoyed.
Over 1,600 ships were built at Swan Hunter - a brand synonymous with Tyneside's role as a vibrant industrial powerhouse. During the late 1960s and into the 1970s when Doreen was employed, Swan Hunter saw the launch of a series of super tankers such as the Esso Northumbria and World Unicorn, the biggest vessels ever built on the river. Doreen then reluctantly retired in 1984 aged 60.
Despite reaching a century of age, Doreen continues to live independently in her own home, staying well-informed on current affairs, and enjoys engaging in discussions about politics. She still manages to do all her own housework, with a friend helping out to take her shopping every week.
Doreen's friend Helen described her: "Still fiercely independent, kind and witty. Doreen is so fit and well for her age, and loves to stay up to date with fashion trends." Doreen has been surrounded by loving friends her whole life, many of whom were present at Friday's celebrations.
The celebrations are far from over. As well as being due to receive a card from the King and Queen to mark her 100th birthday, Doreen plans to celebrate on the day with a trip to Tynemouth with friends, where she will enjoy an afternoon tea looking out onto the coast.