Cake, tea and a sherry to mark special occasion

Nancy Phillips was joined by her family for a special celebration at Hollywynd Care Home in St Botolph’s Road, Worthing.

Worthing mayor, Robert Smytherman, attended the party and presented Nancy with a special card from the Queen.

Granddaughter Fiona Legh-Ellis, 56, baked a big cake to mark the occasion, which was enjoyed at tea-time by the family and residents and staff of Hollywynd, followed by a glass of sherry.

Nancy’s three great- granddaughters Sara, 32, Mary, 28, and Victoria, 15, were also there to join the celebrations.

The mayor, who was accompanied by his consort Cllr Nora Fisher and her dog Herbie, gave a short speech before presenting Nancy with the royal greeting.

Fiona said: “Granny really enjoyed the party and was sent 20 or 30 cards and lots of flowers.

“She is very proud of her card from the Queen and hasn’t let anybody touch it.”

Nancy was born in Birmingham on June 5, 1913, and was brought up living on a farm. She married Major Philip Phillips in 1940.

Nancy spent much of her life in Wales and the Cotswolds, and during the second world war, trained to drive ambulances.

She said: “I had a lovely party, it was very happy.

“I had cards from people in all the places I used to live and it was lovely that they remembered me.

“It really was marvellous.”

Granddaughter Fiona said: “I would like to say how beautifully the care home has looked after granny.

“A week before her birthday she wasn’t even out of bed.

“They have looked after her magnificently and I just cannot fault them.”

In days gone by Nancy was a keen gardener with a passion for growing flowers.

She also loves animals, especially dogs, and used to breed miniature wire-haired dachshunds.