Woman who served in all-female air defence unit during Second World War celebrates 100th birthday in Mountfitchet House Care Home

A former member of an all-female British air defence unit during the Second World War has just celebrated her 100th birthday.

Margaret Goult was born in Newmarket on November 3, 1923, and went on to serve in the Royal Artillery’s 93rd Searchlight Regiment, based in Buckinghamshire. She now lives in Mountfitchet House Care Home in Stansted.

As a result of her service, Margaret was invited to a reunion on VE Day in 2005 to help raise a commemorative plaque alongside Dame Vera Lynn.

During the War, Margaret met her first husband, Albert Reed. The couple had three children and travelled the world, living in Canada before moving to Massachusetts, USA, where they became US citizens. After many happy years together, Albert died in 1979.

Margaret went on to marry for a second time, in 1984 to Edward Goult, returning to her home town of Newmarket. The couple were married for 27 years before Edward also died. During their time together they went on many cruises, visiting India, Australia, New Zealand and Alaska among other locations.

Before moving to Mountfitchet House, Margaret was an active member of Newmarket Women’s Institute, where she was secretary and organised many car boot sales to raise money.

Now, Margaret enjoys singing and attending choir performances, as well as keeping in touch with her family, including six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

On her 100th birthday, Margaret was treated to an afternoon tea party with a specially-baked birthday cake by the team at the Coltsfield home, who said Margaret’s key to life is to “always smile and keep on singing”.

Home manager Joanna Duke said: “She is a much-loved member of the Mountfitchet House family, always singing and putting a smile on our faces.

“We work hard to support residents to lead fulfilling lives, and marking special occasions and birthdays plays a huge part in this. We love any excuse to celebrate the amazing people living at Mountfitchet House and Margaret’s birthday was no exception. Everyone had a lovely time raising a toast and celebrating in style with a delicious afternoon tea.

“It was an honour to be part of Margaret’s special day and it’s a privilege to have her here at Mountfitchet House.”