North Devon farming stalwart marks her 100th birthday with family and a smile

The much-loved mother, grandmother and great grandmother of a North Devon farming family has celebrated her 100th birthday in style surrounded by them all.

Marjorie Elliott marked her centenary on June 28 with a card from King Charles and Queen Camilla as well as a busy family celebration at Abbotsham Village Hall with more than 100 guests – most of them family!

Above: Marjorie Elliott cuts her birthday cake at her centenary celebration. Credit: Graham Hobbs

At the party were Marjorie’s three children Ann, Margaret and Graham, plus 11 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren, while the bells of St Helen’s Church in the village – where she regularly attends, rang out in celebration.

Above: Marjorie Elliott on her 100th birthday with daughters Ann and Margaret and son Graham. Credit: Graham Hobbs

Marjorie said she has always gone through life with a ‘glass half full and positive mental’ attitude and was thankful for every day.

Her daughter Margaret said she still takes a great interest in her children and grandchildren and is a brilliant listener.

Marjorie Elliott (nee Grigg) was born into a farming family at Looseham Farm, Monkleigh in June 1925. She attended Monkleigh Primary School until the age of 14, when she worked with her parents on the farm.

Above: Marjorie Elliott as a young girl on her family’s farm. Credit: Marjorie Elliott

During World War Two she helped the WRVS (Women’s Royal Voluntary Service) escort evacuee children to Devon to be hosted by local families - Marjorie’s family hosted two boys from London and created a friendship which still endures to this day.

She married Ian Elliott in 1949 and made her home at Hunshaw Farm, Little Torrington.

Above: Marjorie at Hunshaw Farm with husband Ian and one of their daughters and (below) enjoying a light-hearted moment. Credit: Marjorie Elliott

Always very active in village life, Marjorie was a WI (Women’s Institute) member and a member of Bideford Horticultural Show, holding the post of president at both organisations. She also qualified in becoming a cookery judge, which took her to many judging events.

Above: Marjorie with two of her children on the family’s Hunshaw Farm. Credit: Marjorie Elliott

While Marjorie no longer lives at Hunshaw, she still lives independently and remains a keen gardener, with a very colourful garden, though does rely on a little help now to keep it tidy.