Amazing teacher goes back into the classroom - aged 101

Teaching star: 101-year-old Annie Murphy

A pensioner nicknamed 'Amazing Annie' after devoting her life to education has gone back to teaching - at the age of 101.

While most people her age are putting their feet up, Annie Murphy is helping those struggling to find work...and is in line for an award.

She received a standing ovation following her recent speech to a group of 30 unemployed people of all ages about her extraordinary life.

And, after speaking for 90 minutes without notes on topics such as the Miners' Strike, Nelson Mandela fight for freedom and equal opportunities for women, she is to get an award in recognition of her life-time dedication to learning.

Born in 1913, she was just 19 when she embarked on her teaching career with a two year teacher training course.

She finally secured a teaching position in 1939 after a struggle due to Depression and, as the Second World War broke out, experienced female inequality in the workplace.

She continued to teach until the age of 60 before retiring in 1973. Having parted from her husband, she lived alone until just two months ago..

She told how her own education began at Chopwell School, Gateshead, on her native Tyneside, in 1918.

She recalled: “My father was a miner who had come back from the first world war with shell shock.

“He became an alcoholic and didn’t want me at school.

“When I got a place at Blaydon Grammar, aged 11, he tried to stop me going.

“He wanted me at home looking after my four little brothers and my sister, but even though it involved a five mile walk and two train journeys every day, I was determined to be educated.”

In 1932, Annie landed a place at teacher training college in Norwich.

But the Depression of the 1930's meant that she could not find a job for several years.

Annie finally secured a teaching position at Coxhoe, Co Durham in 1939, just as the Second World War broke out.

“Until the war, women teachers had to give up their jobs if they got married,” said Annie, who met husband-to-be, Michael Murphy in 1939, “but, when the men went off to fight, they needed the women, and so I was able to keep teaching, although they docked our pay by £1 a week.”

She has a son John, who lives in Minnesota, USA, and is a grandmother.

She lived alone, looking after herself until September this year, before moving into a care home, Addison Court in Gateshead, where she has been encouraged to pass on her knowledge in talks for the unemployed.

She is now in line for a council award in recognition of her efforts.

She added: “The home is perfect for me. There’s a cinema, a hair salon and a café and, thanks to the staff here, I’ve been given the chance to get out and about and meet lots of younger people and share some of what I’ve learned.”

Deb Carter, the homes activities co-ordinator, said yesterday (Wed): “Annie is just amazing.

“When she gave her talk, the audience were absolutely fascinated. Her memory is crystal clear and she brought events they’d only read about, to life.

“She really is an inspiration.”

Annie is now lined up to give even more talks for the unemployed......82 years after she started her teacher training.