Eunice who served royalty turns 100

Eunice Howes had spent many years ensuring the rich and landed gentry enjoyed their lives.

Last Saturday'smilestone was a time for her to be the centre of attention. She was joined by some of her relatives, including her son and daughter, six grandchildren and ten great grandchildren for the celebrations at Hollymead House in Downview Road for a tea with many of her friends.

Her daughter, Sue Edwards, said: 'My mother has always been very active, loved nice clothes and her make-up, enjoyed her food and was partial to a nip of whisky '“ to keep her going, she says!'

Mrs Howes was the third of six children and lived in the Swindon area. She left home at the age of 13 to go into service at a large residence in Bath. She started as a scullery maid. She worked in several residences and worked her way up the ranks to become a ladies' maid. She was in service in Buckinghamshire when she met her future husand, Ted. They set up home at Beaconsfield in the county. During the war years, she had RAF boys billeted with her and recalls watching and hearing the bombs falling on London and nearby Slough. They played endless games of darts in the blacked out kitchen.

Mrs Edwards said: 'My mother has always worked, usually for the well-to-do. She was bequeathed a beautiful set of artists' materials when Sir Alfred Dunhill died.

'I can recall going for afternoon tea with Colonel and Lady Hitchcock, who attended the Queen's horses, at Windsor Castle. I also recall the name Lord and Lady Astor.

'Mother was an excellent cook, needlewoman, gardener, won prizes for her paintings and had a go at pottery making.'

Mrs Howes discovered travel in 1960 and became one of Saga's best customers. The last was at the age of 92.

She and Ted moved to a bungalow in Felpham in 1970 where Mrs Howes continued to work and make a social life around her new home.

Her husband died a few years later. Mrs Howes stayed living in the bungalow until she moved to Stanley Court before she moved again into Hollymead House three years ago.