'Darling of Bigrigg', George Newberry celebrates 102nd birthday

George Newberry moved to the area from London in 1939, chasing his “sweatheart”, Hilda.

He rode a BSA motorcycle all the way to Copeland, in the days of the blackout. He had a small slit of light on his bike and had to keep riding up banks for a closer view of the signs to know where he was going.

The couple were married for 69 years until Hilda’s death 17 years ago.

Mr Newberry served in the RAF and on the day he went to get his demob papers, he signed up for the army.

He served out his time in the Northern Ireland army camp of Ballykinlar, which is now a museum and features, as part of its display, the very hut in which Mr Newberry lived. He was guest of honour at the opening of the camp at the museum based in Downpatrick last year.

George sitting in a recreation of his old bed space in Ballykinlar camp, Northern Ireland which he transferred to after the war ended (Image: Submitted)

Mr Newberry’s first job in west Cumbria was at Silverstone’s, a company that manufactured uniforms for the armed services where his future father-in-law was a manager.

He eventually moved to printing firm Smith Brothers, where he reinvented their administration systems and stock control. He remained with the company until his retirement.

During the war years, Mr Newberry was a mechanical engineer working on Hurricanes and then Lancasters.

George tries out his new sunglasses (Image: Submitted)

He marked his 102nd birthday with a mini party among friends and then enjoyed a day celebrating with his family.

Two years ago, he celebrated turning 100 with a garden party attended by family, friends and entertainer Cindy Hoten.

Mr Newberry has two sons, John Victor (born on VE Day) and Michael. He has six living grandchildren and one who sadly died as a child. He has seven great grandchildren.