Margaret Newby
by Sasha Lovegrove
by Sasha Lovegrove
It was a beautiful May afternoon when I met with one of the pillars of the Niagara community: Margaret Newby. Within moments I knew that Margaret's fascinating personal history was more than a mere list of accomplishments, but an insightful life journey full of dramatic discovery. Having the opportunity to listen to someone as fascinating and dynamic as Margaret makes me wonder why a personal biography has not already been published.
Margaret Newby was born in Sheffield, U.K., and has always had a lifelong love affair with theatre arts. She began her theatre career at the tender age of six performing in her local community. Later, she proudly attended the City and Guilds of London Art School where she excelled in acting. After establishing her drama career, her passion came to bloom in the Niagara region when moving to Canada a few years later. Margaret fondly reminisces about how she had her acting rehearsals in the dank basement of the CKTB building in 1956. It may not have been the ideal stage, but it was what she was passionate about doing. By the mid-60s, Margaret realized that she also wanted to teach. Over the next several years, Margaret's education led her |
"I'm so busy, I keep telling myself I'm going to retire one day,"  Margaret Newby, commenting on her still active life |
Over the next few decades, Margaret accomplished over forty years of teaching as a Special Education Counsellor and a Homeschooling Supervisor for the Lincoln County Board of Education. This paved the way for a distinguished position on the political advisory committee for the Niagara chapter of the Retired Teachers of Ontario.
Since retirement, Margaret has continued to selflessly give to the community. She is a devoted member of St. Thomas’ Anglican Church where she continues her love of directing. There is also her prolonged involvement in various community theatres as both actor and director.Margaret emphasizes that her directing goes "towards furthering the community in a positive way." For instance, she has directed plays for Out of the Cold: an organization that helps homeless people in the Niagara community, and also the Niagara Grand Theatre.
And Margaret doesn't stop there. Not only has she participated in Lyndesfarne Theatre Projects, she has been invaluable to the Carousel Players. For Margaret, offering her vast and knowledgeable services isn't just something she alone can accomplish -- anyone retired in Niagara can. With discernment, she remarks that "it's especially important to share with people. Volunteering brings many rewards; it particularly helps with loneliness. Look around, so much to do!"
Margaret recalls a time when she heard a short speech about retirement activities at a Women Teachers of Ontario retiree workshop. She was strongly advised that retirees need things to do other than "tatting". Immediately, Margaret knew she was not going to simply sit around knitting for the rest of her life.
"There is no reason for retired people to be bored or lonely," Margaret explains. “When people retire, it is important to have hobbies and interests or people can become lonely and depressed. [There are] lots of volunteering opportunities all over the place."
These days, Margaret is extremely content spending her days at St. Thomas’ Church, gardening, and visiting plays at the Stratford and Shaw Festival Theatres. Of course, she always has time for her two grandsons.
"I'm so busy, I keep telling myself I'm going to retire one day," she says.
Clearly with Margaret’s zest for life, retirement from work certainly did not mean retirement from living. Margaret Newby continues to be an active and cherished contributor of our community in Niagara.
Brought to you By Retirement News Weekly
Written By Sasha Lovegrove
Edited By Olivia Worobec
