The owner of ‘Mimi’, a Great Dane who appeared as ‘Duke’ in an episode of ‘Only Fools and Horses’, celebrated her 100th birthday at The Limes, residential care home, Bembridge, last week.
Olive Saul, known as ‘Peggy’, was born in Teddington, Middlesex, in 1925.
Peggy’s parents were Ada and John and she had two brothers, John and William. She married Ron (Ronald) after they met at Bentall’s in Kingston upon Thames, and that was when they bought a Great Dane called Mia, whom Peggy nicknamed Mimi.
Mimi went on to star in both Open All Hours and as Duke, who was owned by Boycie and Marlene, in the Only Fools and Horses episode ‘Sleeping Dogs Lie’.
Peggy and Ron retired to the Island many years ago. Peggy comes from a line of centenarians, with both her mum and aunt living until they were 102 and 103 years old.
Peggy is a keen Sudoku player and, in the summer, enjoys gardening, an interest she picked up from her father. Asked what was the secret of such a long and healthy life, Peggy said: “The same as my mother. I live decently, don’t overdo it with drink, not that I’m teetotal. I have one sherry a day.
“I like sudoku and do that to keep my mind going. Being well looked after also helps.”
She was visited by friends and family on the day, as well as the Island’s High Sheriff, Graham Biss, and celebrated with some cake and a glass of bubbly as well as her usual sherry. She was also serenaded by singer, Maurice.
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