An inspirational 66-year-old from Wincham, near Northwich, has been named as the UK’s leading example of the modern face of retirement.
Retired teacher Annie Makepeace’s boundless energy and can-do attitude have seen her win the 2014/2015 Laterlife Challenge.
Setting up a gardening club in her village, becoming parish council chairman, training as a defibrillator operator, singing in a rock choir, learning Dutch to pass the time during a hospital stay and her involvement with Moulton Drama Group are just some of the endeavours which earned Annie the honour.
Annie, who is also an accredited waste reduction volunteer and Snow Angel, said she was ‘surprised’ and ‘completely speechless’ to learn she had won.
“I do not think I am doing anything particularly significant. I just like to keep busy. Finding activities once you retire is vital. The older we get, the more we have to give.
“I am the chair of the parish council and I know that a lot of our residents have very little to go out for, so we have been trying really hard to encourage people to be active.”
Annie is press officer, pub preservation officer and public affairs officer for the North Cheshire branch of CAMRA and firmly believes in the value of local pubs.
She added: “It is so important to keep pubs open for community life.
“We need them because quite often they are the only social option for people in rural communities.”
The Laterlife Challenge is a nationwide competition – run by UK retirement specialist Laterlife – which recognises the new concepts and lifestyles of the over 50s and 60s.
Annie was judged by a panel which included former Blue Peter presenter Valerie Singleton.
Judges looked for people who were making the most of their retirement years in areas including contributing to society, learning new things and having fun.
Laterlife Challenge organiser and retirement specialist Tony Clack said: “Annie’s contribution to society and her determination to enjoy and make the most of her retirement years greatly impressed all the judges.
“The whole concept of retirement is today outdated.
“The modern generation is healthier and has more years to look forward to than any of their peers in human history.
“The challenge was set up 10 years ago to recognise over 50s who have grasped the modern opportunities to live life to the full.
“The top entries from across the UK were all very close but in the end Annie’s entry stood out.
“Her zest for life and enthusiasm are a wonderful example to others that retirement years can be fulfilling and fun, and we were delighted to name her as overall winner.”
Annie’s story will be used to inspire others across the UK who find the transition from full-time work into retirement challenging.
