We always feel privileged to be part of someone’s journey, and Honor Graham’s story is one we all hold dearly in our hearts. As a former recipient of our Chesterfield Home Care services, we were delighted to hear from Honor’s daughter Colleen, letting us know that her mum has just celebrated her 102nd birthday, a milestone that reflects not just years, but a lifetime of strength, love, and community.
Honor’s story began in Southall, Middlesex, on the 16th September in 1923, when she was born to Frederick and May Moss. Her father ran a butcher’s shop, where the family lived above the business, and he later became Chairman of Southall Council. Honor left school at 14 to work in a drawing office, but during the war years, she stepped in to help her parents run the family shop. After the war she began making iced cakes, wedding cakes and savoury pies, which quickly became popular with the local community.
In 1941, Honor married Charles Graham, who had moved from South Shields to find work. Charles trained at Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire, before joining the 2nd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment. His service took him to North Africa, where he was eventually captured and held as a prisoner of war in Germany’s Stalag 4b. Despite escaping five times, it was only during his final attempt that he successfully reached the advancing American forces.
Reunited after the war, Honor and Charles built a family together, raising three children: Dinah, Charles, and Colleen. Charles went on to work in aircraft engineering and was proud to have contributed to the construction of Concorde, while Honor focused on her young family before later returning to work. Her career was varied — from managing Electricity Board showrooms to working in the Civil Service — but she especially loved her time as a PA in the Southall Customs and Excise office.
Commitment to Community
Honor was always deeply committed to her community. For many years, she was a senior leader with the St John Ambulance Brigade before being elected as a Labour councillor for Ealing Council in 1974. She served her community until 1991, with a particular passion for supporting older people and children. Her work brought her into contact with prominent politicians, including Neil Kinnock (now Lord Kinnock), Hilary Benn, and Sir George Young.
In 1989, she was elected Mayor of Ealing, with Charles proudly serving as her Consort. Together they supported local charities and welcomed distinguished guests such as Lech Wałęsa, former President of Poland, and Diana, Princess of Wales. In recognition of her tireless dedication, Honor was awarded an MBE by Queen Elizabeth II in 1992 for her services to the community.
Family was always at the heart of her life. Honor and Charles enjoyed time with their six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, often reflecting on how much they were responsible for. Though Charles sadly passed away in 1995, his humour, political insight, and devotion to Honor remain an enduring part of her story.
After Charles’ passing, Honor moved to Chesterfield to live closer to her daughter Colleen and her family. She quickly settled into her new surroundings, often remarking on the beauty of the trees and countryside. She loved reconnecting with Charles’ legacy when invited to attend the Parachute Regiment Commemoration Service at Hardwick Hall during her 100th year.
During this time, Honor continued to enjoy supported living at home with the help of our dedicated carers from Chesterfield before moving to The Gables Care Home in August 2025 to access a higher level of support. Colleen told us:
I can’t thank you all enough for the wonderful care and love you provided for Honor for the few years she was living at home but in need of your support. She grew very fond of you all as I did too. You kept her safe and happy, and the compassion and expertise you demonstrated particularly in the last few weeks before she went into The Gables was amazing. Margaret Nolan, Lead Carer, was a constant support, my ‘earth angel’! Huge thanks to you, Tracy, and all the office staff who have been so supportive and helpful over the past few years.
Premier Community’s Registered Manager for Chesterfield and Bolsover, Tracy Marsden added: “Honor is the most admirable lady, the whole team thought the world of her during our time caring for her and still do. She is such an inspirational lady, who we loved to visit and her life experiences have taught us so much.”
