Margaret Hepburn 1921-2016

An inspirational woman and mainstay of Age UK Camden

It is with much sadness that we report that our Honorary President Margaret Hepburn died on 19 October 2016, aged 95.  

Margaret’s involvement with Camden Old People’s Welfare Association (as we were then called) began in the 1960s. Following a long period as a trustee, she became the charity’s Chair from 1982 to 1991. General secretaries (later called chief officers) and other staff and trustees came and went, but Margaret was a constant overseeing the services to older people based at Gray’s Inn Road (Kings Cross), Henderson Court (Hampstead), Hillwood (Somers Town) and Kingsgate (Kilburn). Margaret also served as the Chair of Age Concern Greater London, campaigning for better services across the capital and supporting other local Age Concerns.

After ‘retirement’ as Chair, Margaret became the Honorary Life President of Age UK Camden. In 1996, the charity moved from Gray’s Inn Road to new premises in nearby St Chad’s Street, which were named in her honour as the Margaret Hepburn Centre.  

Age UK Camden’s CEO Gary Jones said: “Margaret was an inspirational woman and leader. In her 80s, she was still swimming regularly in Hampstead Ladies’ Pond, was a trustee of the Hampstead, Wells and Campden Trust, an active member of the local Labour Party and a ‘silver surfer’. She loved IT and used Skype to see the first steps of her great grandchild in South America. Margaret was a mainstay of civic life in Camden. She was also fun and great company.”

In 2011, Age UK Camden moved from the Margaret Hepburn Centre to Tavis House and named the IT suite after her. Margaret was amused that she had outlived the centre. “Most people only have buildings named after them when they die, I’m pleased you’ve grown and had to move!” she laughed. 

Age UK Camden offers its condolences to Margaret’s partner Frank, her daughters Alison, Harriet and Katy and the wider family.