Muriel Scott started work in her early years on a farm doing all sorts of jobs out in the lovely countryside. Then war broke out, and she went to work in the ammunition factory on Aycliffe Trading Estate, where she made dangerous ammunition pieces. There were lots of ladies working there and they have become known as the ‘Aycliffe Angels’.
Later, she, and some of the other ladies were transferred to a factory in Stoke on Trent, where they stayed at a hostel. She then came back to Newton Aycliffe to work in Alexanders in Darlington, where she worked as a sewing machinist for 25 years, receiving a gold watch – soon after the factory closed.
Amelia Rickaly sourced a job at Aycliffe Approved School, where she started working in the laundry department, but progressed very well in the school. Muriel worked there for six years.
She retired at 62 years old, to take care of her mother, whose eye sight was bad.
Muriel can still be seen getting on and off buses, going into Darlington for shopping, to get something nice for Saturday’s tea, and a good roast for Sunday dinner.
Muriel is a member of Women’s Institute in Aycliffe Village and the social club, where she loves a game of bingo.
To celebrate her 100th birthday a party was held by her friends and family in Aycliffe Village Hall, the Mayor attended and brought her flowers, she received a birthday card from the Queen and The Royal Telegraph gave two Afternoon Teas and The County presented her with a £25 Gift voucher.
“Always smiling, cheerful and positive (one of the first on the dance floor), and with an amazing memory and interesting stories, she is a much cherished member of our WI. Asked about her secret for a long life she said it was the ‘Aycliffe air’.” said an Aycliffe Village WI representative.
