ON HER 100th birthday Phyllis Angier was given the good news that she was to become a great grandmother for the first time.
Her grandson, Simon, 35, delivered the exciting news at her birthday party at Cleves Court, Elm Way, Boreham, on Thursday last week.
Mrs Angier, who lives independently in a warden controlled sheltered housing scheme, was surrounded by friends and family alongside gifts, flowers, cards, and a congratulatory letter from The Queen.
"I have had ups and downs and an ordinary life," she said.
"I've had a busy life, but it has been interesting and I have enjoyed it, we've had some fun."
Phyllis Gilbert was born in Old Bilton, Warwickshire, but after her father was killed in World War One, her mother remarried and they both moved to Victoria Road, Chelmsford, to live with her stepfather.
"I had left school by 14-years-old anyway, so when I moved here I was an apprentice to a dress maker," said Mrs Angier.
"I have always loved sewing and I always used to make all my own clothes and my friends' clothes, shortening, lengthening, making curtains, oh yes, I was always sewing."
Mrs Angier got married in 1941 to Victor Lawrence Angier, who she met at the old Marconi factory, where they both worked during World War Two and were also air raid wardens.
"I can't remember silly things like if we liked each other when we first met each other now, but I guess we were friends before we went together," she said.
The pair got married at Springfield Church and had one son, John, 65, who now lives with his wife, Joy, 61, in Boreham.
Mrs Angier moved into Cleves Court the same year as Victor died in 1988, which was three years after the home opened.
She said: "I was certainly not one of the very first residents here, but I have to say there are not many people left here that I know from before, only perhaps one or two people. Most of them are strangers to me now."
John said: "I think it is fantastic that mum has reached this age.
"She has behaved herself – or at least tried to.
"She has a real sense of humour and we have had a laugh together, we've had a lot of fun in the past."
Mrs Angier was awarded a medal by the Duke of Kent for her voluntary work for St John's Ambulance when her team won the all England nursing trophy.
But for most of her working life she worked in school meals, working her way from dish washer to head cook, and then area cook.
John said: "I remember when she started at Trinity Road School, and she did so well to work her way up.
"But needlework was her other love, she did it right up until her hands couldn't hold the needle.
"She used to make craft things for charity, but also all my school clothes, some dresses, shirts, suits for cousins, and anyone who asked."