MARGARET Burch has seen the world change a lot during her lifetime.

She has lived a century – through World War Two, Great Depression, and 27 General Elections – with the majority of her time being in Winchester.

Now she lives at Brendoncare Park Road and on Saturday (March 21), celebrated her 100th birthday with her son Trevor and daughter-in-law, Jackie.

Trevor said: “A highlight for mum was the arrival of the card from the Queen, together with a card from the Work and Pensions Secretary, Therese Coffey.

“35 cards in all, plus FaceTime and video messages from our family: our daughters, Charlotte and Katherine and our Son, James, and their families, in Witney, Purbrook and Liverpool respectively.”

The centenarian, born Margaret Bertha Vinall in Guildford, is a familiar face to many.

Alongside her husband Alec Burch, she ran a successful shoe repair business for decades. Started by Alec’s dad in his Stanmore back garden in May 1925, Burch and Son was based in Bridge Street for 32 years before moving to Upper Brook Street in 1963 – the building next door to the Chronicle’s current office. In 1985, the business was sold.

The couple married in 1942 and lived firstly in Wavell Way, then Chatham Road, before living above the shop in Upper Brook Street. They bought their first house in Orchard Road, South Wonston in 1968.

Talking about his mother, Trevor added: “She was always a committed Christian, active in the former Stanmore Evangelical Free Church, and children’s Bible classes in South Wonston.”

“A keen pianist, and gifted needlewoman, she loved gardening and had a good knowledge of plants and shrubs.”

In the birthday photo, the two ladies are wearing fascinators last worn for the wedding of Trevor and Jackie’s younger daughter on April 1.

“Brendoncare Park Road were wonderful,” said Trevor. “Making afternoon tea and scones, balloons, and a display of pink tulips, mum’s favourite colour.

“The birthday cake was shared amongst staff and residents.”