(1961)
M
argaret’s passion for dance began at a young age at NLCS. Highly influenced by the London College of Dance and Drama who did their teaching practice at NLCS, greatly inspired by NLCS PE/dance teacher Doreen Seward and subsequently encouraged by Rhona Lewis, head of PE, Margaret knew dance was what she wanted to do.
Dance was most certainly not encouraged as a career at NLCS, but upon leaving school, Margaret went to Bedford College of Physical Education on a special dance course, where she met the principal, Eileen Alexander, a fellow ONL, who was to be key in her career, encouraging her up the ranks. Margaret taught PE and Dance at various schools until she took a break to have a family. After having children, Margaret went to work for the Fitness League (what was the Women’s League of Health and Beauty) – a pioneering body championing recreational exercise for women (well before Jane Fonda!) As a teacher and a trainer of dance, Margaret’s interests soon diversified and she became a representative on the Movement and Dance Groups of the Central Council of Physical Recreation, a governing body of sport and recreation in the UK. Together with Eileen Alexander, who sat on the board, a very strong ONL team was formed. Margaret’s work in promoting and supporting dance in the area of sport and recreation led to her being awarded in 2008 an OBE for services to Fitness, Dance and Sport. As Vice President of the Fitness League, Honorary Vice President of the Sport and Recreation Association, creator and first Chair of the Exercise,
Movement and Dance Partnership and Chair of Sports Leaders UK, a body that provides leadership training for thousands of young people to help communities participate in sport, Margaret has been a leading figure of dance and recreation in the UK over the last 50 years. Margaret is passionate about promoting sport and dance across the country. She has achieved so much, from encouraging thousands of people to exercise through dance and sport to meeting and being recognised by the Queen. She remains a purist, not wanting to see Dance as an Olympic sport but hopes very much that communities will continue to take up exercise and dance as recreation to stay healthy. A true example to us all.
grade B+, that she wasn’t allowed to continue with English, the subject she loved. Her proudest moment at NLCS was being asked to dance a performance from Orpheus and Eurydice. At an entirely academic school, to be given such a ‘high profile’ role meant so very much to her. By Claudia Goodman
FITNESS, DANCE & SPORTS ADVOCATE
Margaret Peggie OBE
In her 50s, Margaret took English A level and obtained a grade 'A'. It is one of her proudest achievements as she was told at school, having got a
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