Born in Palestine, raised in South Africa and settled in Lanchester, Pat Christie is 86 and still making things for other people.
Born in Palestine, raised in South Africa and eventually settling in England, Pat Christie has led a fascinating life. Her father’s work as a welding inspector meant the family travelled extensively during her childhood. While working in Palestine, he was even presented with the keys to the city in recognition of the help he gave to the local community.
Pat began her career with the Post Office before joining Tyne Tees Television as a sales representative. It was there that she met her first husband, John Brown, who later rose to a senior position within the company.
Sadly, Pat’s second husband passed away, while her third husband now lives in Cheshire. Pat has a daughter living in Spain and two sons, one in Plymouth and the other in Lanchester. It was while visiting her son in Lanchester that she decided it was the perfect place to settle.
Now a smart and sprightly 86-year-old, Pat enjoys taking part in the many activities at Lynwood House and meeting people in the village. She also has a remarkable talent for knitting, which she has put to good use by making blankets for pre-natal babies. To date, she has lovingly created more than 300 blankets, each decorated with a knitted angel, and all donated to the Durham Hospitals pre-natal unit.
Her latest creative project is making handmade greeting cards. Each card is different in style and made with all sorts of materials, including wallpaper. All profits go to Willow Burn.
Words and photographs by Mark Wilkinson, Communities in Focus
