Joan Drummond was crowned Manchester’s Inspirational Generation Queen
Youth is the pinnacle of beauty - at least, that’s what the beauty industry would have you believe.
From age-defying elixirs to lotions and potions designed to hide, conceal and dilute the signs of aging, the beauty industry has long been peddling beauty as well-packaged youth.
But one beauty queen is keen to change that.
Meet Joan Drummond, the 60-year-old pageant queen that still participates in – and wins - pageants.
Joan was recently crowned 'Manchester’s Inspirational Generation Queen', a title coined by McCarthy & Stone’s search for the nation’s most inspirational over 60-year-olds. The initiative was designed by the retirement house builder to celebrate the inspiring feats and remarkable achievements of senior citizens. Joan is one of eight regional winners to be crowned across the country.
Having spent her life entering beauty competitions including Miss Great Britain, Miss England, Miss UK and Miss British Isles, Joan has witnessed first-hand how the industry’s perceptions of beauty have changed. However, there is still some changes left to be made.
“I think it’s important we recognise the achievements of older people because they have so much to give,” explains Joan. “…and age does not define ambition, beauty or dreams. My next ambition is to go to Miss Senior in the USA.”
Advocating change through pageanting has long been on Joan’s agenda. In 1981, Joan made history as the first black beauty queen to be placed in the final of Miss United Kingdom. She still enters beauty competitions, winning Ms Greater Manchester Galaxy aged 60 in 2017.
“I decided to enter the search for the Inspirational Generation because many women do not believe they are beautiful at any age, and I wanted to break that misconception,” Joan explains. “I love entering pageants, and was especially proud to represent my history on the stage. It is a great hobby for a single woman of my age looking to tick all the boxes, and I’ve met friends for life on the beauty circuit. I think I am a deserving winner because beauty has no age limit or sell by date.
Age does not define ambition, beauty or dreams.
McCarthy and Stone’s North West region saw 60-year-old Joan take the top spot for her inspiring accomplishments. Spending her life entering beauty competitions such as Miss Great Britain, Miss England, Miss UK and Miss British Isles, Joan was the first black beauty queen to be placed in the final of Miss United Kingdom in 1981. Celebrating the success and beauty of older women, she still enters beauty competitions, winning Ms Greater Manchester Galaxy aged 60.
TV and radio personality, Gloria Hunniford, performed guest judge duties for Inspirational Generation. She said: “My congratulations go to Joan for winning the regional award and for making a real impression on the judges. The standard of entries was exceptionally high and it was an incredibly tough job to decide on the winners. There is a clearly a generation of people out there who are living such fascinating and inspiring lives, and we can all learn from their energy, fortitude, and relentless passion for what they believe in.”
In honour of Joan’s win, McCarthy and Stone will donate £200 to her nominated charities, Christie’s Maggie Centre and Barnardo’s.
Fiona Brooks, Regional Sales and Marketing Director for McCarthy & Stone North West region said: “We launched Inspirational Generation to put the spotlight on the many ways in which today’s Baby Boomers inspire younger generations; while also proving beyond doubt that age is absolutely no barrier to making a fantastic contribution to society and highlighting the wonderfully colourful lives older people are enjoying."
“We are very grateful to everyone who took the time to enter our search; and we are thrilled for Joan, who beat off very stiff competition to come top of McCarthy and Stone’s North West region. She is a very worthy winner and we wish her all the best for the future.”
To find out more about McCarthy and Stone, visit www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk
