Maggie, 100, recalls star stories

Maggie Radford celebrated her 100th birthday at Bindon Residential home at the weekend. Maggie opens her card from the queen. Ref shs 3674-30-15AW. Picture: Alex Walton (Image: Archant)

Maggie Radford has spent most of her life by the sea and lived independently until last year when she moved to Bindon Care, Sidmouth, where she celebrated her birthday on Saturday with family, friends and live music.

This marked her actual birthday, although on official records it is listed as July 17, because her father – just home from war – was so excited at the thought of her arrival, she said he registered it a day early.

A former book binder and head waitress, the centenarian remembers a happy childhood before she left school at 14 and took up a job at Sherrens the Printers in her hometown of Weymouth. Newly married in her early 20s, Maggie saw out the war years in Yeovil, where she took in two young evacuees.

She then returned to Weymouth and landed a job in Pullingers – somewhere she recalls being the ‘biggest restaurant in the area’.

Maggie said: “It attracted all sorts of people, from royalty to film stars.

“We were a very close-knit team and we were all known for what we did. We were a happy crew. We had a special room for special guests and we used to scramble around for something to get their autographs on.”

Maggie said she has many lasting memories and friendships from her time there - and that she still keeps in contact with pals to this day.

Her advice on reaching the grand age of 100 is: “Just do what you want to do and don’t take any interference from people.”

Maggie has two children, five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren – as well as a great, great -grandchild by marriage – who were there to celebrate with her on Saturday, along with close friends.

Her daughter, Pam, said: “It was a lovely day that was enjoyed by everybody. She was so thrilled to see everyone.”