Eva celebrates 103 years of a happy life surrounded by five generations of her family
Eva Hammond celebrates her 103rd birthday with family and friends at her care home in Chedgrave - Credit: Eastern Daily Press � 2017
She has lived through two world wars, 25 prime ministers and an age where the television – let alone the internet – was, for most people, purely a fantasy.
Eva Hammond celebrates her 103rd birthday with family and friends at her care home in Chedgrave Eve with five generations of her family. l-r neice Maureen Hill, Great great great neice Eva, Great Great Neice Hannah Ford, Greta Neice Sue Ford. - Credit: Eastern Daily Press © 2017
But despite living through transformational times, Eva Hammond has spent all of her 103 years in Norfolk.
And this week, the former cook and house maid was surrounded by five generations of her family as she celebrated her latest landmark birthday.
Born in Eaton in the year the First World War broke out, Ms Hammond – one of five siblings – remained in the county even when other members of her family moved away.
She worked as a house maid in Hales Green before working in the Navy Army Air Force Institute (NAAFI) canteen during the Second World War.
Eva Hammond celebrates her 103rd birthday with family and friends at her care home in Chedgrave - Credit: Eastern Daily Press © 2017
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She stayed in the role until she retired aged 60 – and became well-known for her great cooking.
Sandra Barry, Ms Hammond's great niece, said Miss Hammond's cooking was 'amazing', adding: 'There wasn't much she couldn't turn her hand to but she was specifically good at pastry.'
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During her life Ms Hammond saw dramatic cultural and technological transformation, with the television barely invented when she was born.
Even though the telephone had been invented, most people used the 'candlestick' telephone with a separate transmitter and receiver.
The idea of using a mobile phone out and about was just a dream, as was using a computer to connect with people across the world via email and Facebook.
In those days the email of its day was the good, old-fashioned postal service, with postmen making several deliveries a day to homes and businesses.
Although she never married, Ms Hammond has always been surrounded by family throughout her life.
Family, residents and staff at Beauchamp Care Home in Chedgrave, where Mrs Hammond has been a resident since May last year, said she was a lovely lady with a dry sense of humour.
Relatives put her longevity down to leading a happy life, which includes birdwatching and the odd game of cards.
A celebration including a slice of coffee cake and some music was held at the care home on Miss Hammond's birthday on Wednesday, February 22.
