Family and friends gathered at Westbrook on Saturday to mark the 100th birthday of Margaret Willis.

Until a few months ago Margaret lived in Ramsgate but after falling and breaking her hip, she has been cared for at Westbrook Hospital, Margate.

Margaret was born on May 3, 1908, in Broadstairs and moved to Ramsgate after marrying husband Albert Gardner at St Laurence Church in October 1932.

He was a milkman, before working on the railway and the couple had three children, Derek, John and Marina.

Her son John, a retired photographer, said his mother had held various jobs during her lifetime.

“The ones people will remember mostly are in Birds newsagents in Boundary Road and Edmonds newsagents in York Street,” he said.

Margaret remarried in 1982 after Bert died in 1980.

She wed Albert Willis at St Laurence Church and the pair became keen members of Ramsgate Oddfellows where she became Grand Master. Bert died in 1993.

Keeping herself busy, Margaret enjoyed knitting blankets for Oxfam and at Christmas made cakes for all who knew her.

John added: “Last Christmas I lost count past 20 of how many she made for family and friends.

"Anybody who visited mother seemed to go home with a cherry and walnut cake - whether friend or workman.

“In recent years Margaret has attended Ramsgate Age Concern where she has made lots of friends.

"Taking cakes there three times a week kept her occupied, besides playing keyboard, knitting and playing Scrabble with students from St Lawrence College who were supposed to be doing social studies!”