Kebab shop venue for 100th birthday party

Daisy Aston, known as Margaret, marked her centenary surrounded by 50 friends and family, including her two daughters, seven grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.

Margaret tucked into a hearty fish and chip supper, specially prepared at her favourite takeaway.

Margaret was born in London in 1913.

She left school at 14 to work at Hamleys Toy Shop in Regent Street before joining the GPO in 1929.

At the time the GPO did not employ married women, so Margaret was forced to leave after her marriage to Sidney.

When war broke out in 1939, Margaret worked in communications for the London Fire Service while her husband was a serving firefighter during the Blitz.

Two children later, Margaret returned to the GPO in 1945 until her retirement in 1973.

But Margaret’s retirement didn’t last long as in the same year she began working at Dickens and Jones in Regent Street until her second retirement in 1987, at the age of 74.

Shortly afterwards, Margaret moved to Battle - right in the middle of the Great Storm of 1987.

She fell in love with the town and was tempted out of retirement for a second time to work at Surridges newsagent in Battle High Street until the age of 80.

Margaret now enjoys a peaceful retirement at Wellington Court, looked after by carer Kerry.

Daughter Carol Walters, who lives in Sedlescombe, told the Observer: “She said moving to Battle was the best thing she ever did.

“She said she was glad she moved down here and there could not be a better town to retire to.”

Speaking about Margaret’s birthday celebration, Carol said: “She had a good day.

“She had no idea her friends and family were coming as well.

“Battle Kebabs were very helpful. It wasn’t far for mum to go and we wanted to support a local business.

“We chose it because we are ordinary people and we like fish and chips. We wanted it to be a friendly, happy day.”