A WINTONIAN celebrated her centenary last week (August 29), surrounded by family and friends.

Dorothy Snell, of Devonish House on Southgate Street, celebrated her 100th birthday at The Seafayre Lounge in Eastleigh.

Celebrations continued when the family returned to the care home, welcomed by her carers, for whom Mrs Snell says she owes her longevity.

Surrounded by 16 members of her family at the restaurant, Mrs Snell said: “I loved it, I didn’t stop smiling! I was spoiled rotten.”

She was even joined by nephew Michael and his wife Dianna who flew all the way from Australia just for the occasion.

Her daughter Joan Wilde, of Copse Close in Otterbourne, said: “She loves her dancing, good food and she’s got a good sense of humour. The care home staff have looked after her so wonderfully.”

Outliving her husband Charles by 60 years, who passed away at the young age of 47 with cancer, Dorothy had spent her earlier life raising their four children, Robert, 76, twins David and Carole, 74, and Joan, 72.

Grandmother to eight and great-grandmother to ten Dorothy was born on Lower Brook Street. She grew up in the now-demolished Durngate Mill with her parents, Harry and Annie Jewell and two brothers, Mid and Reginald and two sisters, Evelyn and Peggy.

Her father worked at SCATS agricultural society then later as a gamekeeper, with the help of his trusted dog, Toper.

Her late husband, Charlie, whom she married on June 8 1935, worked at an aircraft factory during the war and later at a fishmonger’s on Andover Road while Dorothy worked as a manageress at Warrens & Son stationers, located on the High Street, for 23 years.

St John’s Winchester Charity runs Devonish House, where Dorothy was presented with flowers on her birthday by the charity director, Rev Michael Jackson.