Longtime White City resident Peggy Baker shared her 100th birthday celebrations with family, friends and the Mayor of Hammersmith & Fulham.
As a wartime bride and lifelong H&F resident, Peggy Baker has a kaleidoscope of memories of her years in west London. From dancing at a renowned local stage school, to working for the BBC at its former home at Television Centre in White City, the stories of vibrant Peggy’s century milestone showcase her zest for life.
Celebrating her 100th birthday with family and friends at White City Community Centre in India Way on Sunday (3 March), the festivities took place just a stone’s throw from Peggy’s home of seven decades in Batman Close.
The 75-strong party was joined by H&F Mayor, Cllr Patricia Quigley, who said: “A huge congratulations to Peggy Baker on her 100th birthday. Hearing the stories of Peggy’s life shows what a valued part of the local community she has been for the past century.
“It’s been wonderful to share this landmark event with Peggy and all her family and friends.”
Peggy even got national recognition last week, when her birthday was given a mention on BBC Radio 2's Trevor Nelson show, as well as receiving a signed card from King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
White City
Having moved to Batman Close when it was newly-built, Peggy’s family has expanded over the years to include seven children, 19 grandchildren and at least 25 great-grandchildren.
Sharing stories from their early lives, her 63-year-old daughter, also called Peggy, and son John, 71, have many happy memories of growing up in the area.
“We had such a lovely childhood and such good friends,” explains daughter Peggy. “We used to go to Bloemfontein Lido, and mum and dad used to go with us to the swimming pool. We had great times and I remember mum used to dive in the pool.”
But the family hadn’t always lived in White City, as birthday girl Peggy spent her early years living in West Kensington’s Berghem Mews.
Sadly, losing her father in a cycling accident when she just four years old, Peggy and her four siblings were brought up by their mum before the Second World War.
Early photos show fresh-faced Peggy with a fashionable bob haircut in a decorative costume as she poses during her time performing with the Chiswick-based Corona Stage School, which produced famous pupils including Jane Asher and Nicholas Lyndhurst.
Second World War
But just a few years after that, the Second World War descended, threatening life in the capital. Peggy’s family were never far from the action, with sister Blanche working as part of the air raid recovery effort as a stretcher bearer for those bombed in Shepherds Bush.
Meanwhile, Peggy’s brother Frank was in the Navy, later posted to Korea. It was during this time that Peggy – then with the maiden name Parker – met her husband John.
Young Peggy was just 17 when she met John while he was working as a metalworker at motor manufacturing company Rootes in one of its sites in Acton.
But while the war continued, John joined the Navy and was sent overseas, working on Arctic convoys of aircraft carriers, as well as postings in Malta and Singapore.
Able to return on leave in 1943, the couple married in Brook Green the day before Valentine’s Day. “Mum’s wedding dress was beautiful and she sewed it herself,” adds daughter Peggy, who created a photo album of pictures taken over the years for her mum’s 97th birthday in 2021.
Shepherds Bush
Having moved to Emlyn Gardens, close to Wendell Park, before having first child Wendy, Peggy spent the first six months of motherhood alone before John could return from his Naval duties.
But once the couple were back together, they expanded their family – enjoying many happy times including celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation in 1953 with a huge street party.
The family of nine also included siblings William, Peter, Julie and Janine – with trips to the seaside, Christmas parties and music from the likes of American singers Perry Como and Lou Rawls adding to the memories.
Peggy smiles as she remembers husband John and their antics. Although he passed away 14 years ago, he was the “life and soul of the party” adds daughter Peggy.
“Mum still has a wicked sense of humour,” says her daughter, who was joined at the party by relatives from as far afield as Australia, Spain and Italy.
The family has remained incredibly close over the years, with both Peggy and John and their daughter Peggy working together at the BBC in the 1980s.
“Mum started out with the BBC doing accounts in the artists’ contracts department,” adds Peggy. “She then ended up working permanently in the mail room for the BBC, as well as doing extra work showing audiences to their seats while filming took place.”
And while the area has changed dramatically over the years, there’s one part that has endured – family happiness. “Mum and dad passed all their happiness onto us, and that way we were brought up has been passed onto our children,” explains Peggy. “We were blessed.”
