A FORMER mayoress of Saltash has died at the age of 100.

Winifred Brooking saw in her milestone birthday before the spring lockdown surrounded by family, friends, dignitaries and well-wishers from the town and beyond: the celebration demonstrated the esteem in which she was held.

Winifred was born in Strood, Kent, in February 1920. A premature baby, she was carried on a pillow for the first part of her life to protect her delicate frame. She grew up, the eldest of eight siblings in a happy family, in an era of cobbled streets, gas lighting and horses and carts.

Winifred was married to Alfred at the age of 22 and the couple moved around with his maritime career, but settled in Saltash in 1944 so that their son, Barry, could be born Cornish.

Alfred served for many years on Saltash Town Council and on Caradon District Council, becoming chairman.

During his term as mayor of Saltash, Winifred was a popular and smart consort and mayoress, representing the town at many civic occasions including at Buckingham Palace.

Asked by her friend Sue Hooper around the time of her 100th birthday for the secret to her long life, Winifred answered without hesitation that it was thanks to “a happy marriage, good healthy living and faith”.

Winifred’s son Barry came to live with her around 15 years ago to provide care and companionship.

He said he had observed how families look after their elders in other countries and that, after the death of his father, he felt it was an important thing to do.

“Mum was a fighter and she was very strong in personality and strong in health,” he said.

“She will be much missed.”

With thanks to Sue Hooper for content taken from an article published in Love Saltash in March 2020.