Bea's the bee's knees at 103 years old

AS inspirational as ever, well-known Bexhill resident Bea Hurlock recently celebrated her 103rd birthday and was honoured with a surprise visit by the town's Mayor and Mayoress, Stuart and Romanie Wood, who presented her with a bouquet.

By The Newsroom

Published 12th Jun 2011, 14:00 BST

Updated 7th Jun 2018, 21:27 BST

Further surprises included a champagne reception and lunch with 18 guests at the Cooden Beach Hotel, where she was welcomed by the owner James Kimber, who is also president of Bexhill’s Chamber of Commerce and Tourism.

More guests joined Bea when she cut her birthday cake, and glasses were raised as one to toast her good health.

For more than 20 years Bea has been known for occasionally playing the piano at the seafront hotel, and also at The Sackville, along the beach to the east, and other local venues.

Three years ago she and the Pensions Department both celebrated their centenaries, which led to her being elected as the South East’s top 100-year-old and featuring on the cover of the department’s in-house magazine.