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Highcliffe’s Margaret Darke was a nurse, baker and toy maker




FORMER Highcliffe bakery shop owner and community fundraiser Margaret Darke has died at the age of 93.

A longstanding resident of the village, Margaret was also a popular and well-known trader at the weekly market where she sold handmade soft toys which she transported in a large pram!

Born in 1931, Margaret (nee Goble) spent her early years in Reading, before moving to Highcliffe with her family in 1942. After leaving school in 1947 she became one of the NHS’s very first trainee nurses, and later worked at various hospitals, including Field Place in New Milton.

One of the last pictures of Margaret Darke with her cat Tyson
One of the last pictures of Margaret Darke with her cat Tyson

In 1951, she met her future husband Doug, an RAF Corporal, at a Valentine’s Day party in Uxbridge. They were married the following September at St. Mark’s Parish Church in Highcliffe.

Margaret Darke's wedding day at St Mark's Highcliffe
Margaret Darke's wedding day at St Mark's Highcliffe

Together Margaret and Doug went on to have three sons; Kenneth born in 1953, Robert in 1956 and Lawrence in 1960. Although various RAF postings around the UK and abroad meant long absences from Highcliffe, the family returned for summer holidays when they could, staying with Margaret’s parents who were well known tradespeople in the village.

Margaret Darke in Aden, South Yemen (RAF posting) c.1958
Margaret Darke in Aden, South Yemen (RAF posting) c.1958

When Doug retired from the Air Force in 1968, the family moved to Highcliffe and took over bakery shop, The Kitchen, as well as serving on the local chamber of trade.

Margaret Darke obituary: Snowy Paris, another RAF posting, 1966
Margaret Darke obituary: Snowy Paris, another RAF posting, 1966

The couple also took an active role in community life, serving on the committee at Highcliffe Social Club, assisting local charity shops, and fundraising for Highcliffe Football Club.

Margaret was devastated by the loss of Doug in 1988, but remained devoted to and proud of her family, which grew to include six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Margaret with her daughter-in-law and five granddaughters
Margaret with her daughter-in-law and five granddaughters

Always practical and active, Margaret was a keen gardener, a dab hand at DIY, and an expert at knitting, sewing and making soft toys, which she sold at Highcliffe Market. As she didn’t drive, she would wheel her creations along Lymington Road by pram, leading to her becoming affectionately known as ‘the pram lady’.

She loved Arsenal Football Club, the rock band Queen, her cats, but most of all her family. Margaret died at Bournemouth Hospital on 14th August and a funeral service was recently held at Hinton Park Woodland Burial Ground.

Margaret Darke was a nurse between 1947 and 1951
Margaret Darke was a nurse between 1947 and 1951

Her son Ken said: “The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Ward 16 for their wonderful care during her last days.”

“The size of the gathering at her funeral, several of whom travelled long distances including from abroad, is a testimony to the popularity of a kind-hearted, witty, highly intelligent lady.”



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