Nan Meyer earns top British Legion honour on her centenary

But then Nan's is a very special birthday. And her service to the Legion has been exceptional.

Nan celebrates her 100th birthday today. She began her Legion service at the age of 22., completing more than 60 years' service.

For the past eight years Nan has lived at Mais House Royal British Legion retirement home in Hastings Road since moving from Milton Keynes.

But her regular attendance at the meetings of Bexhill Women's Section of the Legion at Gavin Astor Court in Seabourne Road is a high-spot of Nan's life.

Members gathering in the residents' lounge at Gavin Astor Court on Tuesday had prepared a celebratory party for Nan.

Pride of place at the centre of a table laden with food were a 10th birthday cake with Nan's portrait in icing sugar and her badge and framed citation from the legion's national president.

Nan is a popular figure at Women's Section meetings where her ready wit is clearly much appreciated.

Asked why she had chosen to devote the greater part of her long life to the Legion, Nan said: "Because I was born and bred into it!

"I was born in Malta. I came from a military family. My father was an officer. He was president of the British Legion.

"I came into it when I was 22."

Nan dismisses her Legion service as "waltzing round different places."

Pressed a little further, she confides that having worked in hospitals, with doctors and in nursing homes, she taught first aid.

"I used to teach first aid to the British Legion (she still uses the old form of the name) right through the war.

"I taught ever so many people.

"I did voluntary work right through the war for the British Legion.

"I have a letter at home from the King thanking me for my wonderful service."

Nan's dedication to the Legion's cause becomes more apparent as more detail is teased out as her colleagues gather round.

"We used to get up at three in the morning to sell flags..."

At three?

"Yes, three. My mother and I used to stand on street corners."

For Nan it was a case of the "early bird catching the worm."

The humour comes to the surface.

"We used to get more money for the Legion that way!"

Nan is looking forward to celebrating her birthday today.

"I have two daughters, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. They are giving me a reception at the Grand Hotel (Eastbourne).

"But my son (in-law) can't be there because the school won't give the children the day off..."

Despite her age, Nan is still an enthusiastic traveller.

"I am going on an eight-day cruise with my daughters."

Where?

"I haven't a clue!

"But I know I'm going on the sea."

Someone asks if Nan expects to be given a teddy bear for her 100th birthday. Clearly, it is an "in" joke.

She says: "I have 18 BIG teddy bears from Harrods. I have over 150 teddy bears in all. Every country I visit I come away with one.

"I have done a lot of travelling. But I haven't done Australia or America.

"The only trouble is that I am losing my sight - I've already lost my hearing. But definitely I haven't lost my sense of humour.

"....and I can still tell people off if they annoy me!"

The Gavin Astor Court lounge dissolves into laughter as friends enjoy Nan's joke.