Former landlady of the Saxon pub in Escomb to celebrate 100th birthday

Joan Steed was the landlady of the Saxon Inn, in Escomb on the outskirts of Bishop Auckland, from 1969. She took over managing the pub when she was 40, serving up crisp pints to happy regulars for 14 years. 

Now, Joan, a mother of five, grandmother of ten, and great grandmother of eight, is set to turn 100 in style, with her family coming together to mark the matriarch's centenary birthday.

Joan (centre) with husband Hugh, and children Paul and Jan. (Image: Family)

Her birthday, on Saturday, August 31, will be celebrated at Church View care home in County Durham. 

Her children and grandchildren, who have ended up spread across the UK, will be returning to County Durham next weekend to help Joan celebrate her big birthday. 

Granddaughter Clare Steed, 44, said her Nana Joan looked back on her pub days with fond memories. 

She said: "Nana is absolutely marvelous, and loved working in the pub. All her family is coming for the birthday party. Some live in Scotland, some live in Sheffield  - but everyone is coming!

Joan behind the bar in Escomb. (Image: Family)

"She's been going on about her 100th birthday - its a big deal! Nana is a huge royalist, so she's excited to get a telegram from the King, though I am sure she is a little disappointed it won't be from the late Queen."

Clare still lives in Bishop Auckland, and sees her Nana often. Joan only recently moved into a care home, having lived at home with the help of her son John until early August.

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Joan was born in Manchester in summer of 1924, and grew up during the Second World War as bombs were dropping on the country. Her brothers were evacuated out of the big city, and Joan has to flee one of Hitler's air attacks by jumping into the nearby canal. 

Joan today, enjoying a trip to Durham. (Image: Family)

Clare said: "Joan moved to Bishop Auckland where she and her husband Hugh Steed took over the Saxon Inn 1968. She was  

The Steed family history -is intertwined with Escomb and the Saxon pub, with Joan's children, including twin sons John and David, and daughter Julie, spending their formative years growing up in the pub. 

Nearby, Escomb's historic Saxon church has been the site of many a family marriage.