Bognor woman celebrates turning 105

Mrs Stannard celebrated her latest birthday on Sunday as the oldest-known current resident of the Bognor Regis area.

She is the oldest ever to still be living independently.

The day after her birthday saw her back in her usual routine looking after herself at her home on Queensfield Walk.

Her only concessions to her age are two hour-long visits a week for some help cleaning and bathing.

"I manage all right and I get on to do what I have to do. If I want a cup of tea, I go and make it myself," she said.

"I try to keep to three regular meals a day and always have breakfast. I eat and drink in moderation."

She relaxed her rules a little for a birthday party indoors and outdoors at the Craigweil Lane home of her son, Roy Stannard, where she was joined by 25 relatives and friends for the special occasion in glorious sunshine.

Mrs Stannard has four children, five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. They keep a close eye on her welfare and help out where needed.

She was born in Fulham, West London, and had three brothers and a sister. She still looks out for the results of the local football club.

After going to school in Chelsea, her family moved to Greenford in Middlesex just before the second world war.

She was employed in an office job for ten years in the motor industry before she left to get married to Reuben in accordance with the custom of the time.

The war saw the family bombed out of their home and split up for their safety.

Mrs Stannard moved to West Meads in 1968 as one of the estate's first residents with her late husband, who died about a year later. She said she had no reason to move again.

"The shops were here but there was no community hall or church," she explained.

"I love living here. It's nice to get up in the morning and see the village green opposite my home."

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