100th birthday for ex-Land Army girl Doris Haggett

Doris Haggett, of Owermoigne, enjoyed a celebratory birthday luncheon for 28 family and friends in the village hall.

Nieces, nephews and cousins travelled from Scotland, Clevedon and Devon to join in the celebration. Friends living abroad joined in through a video link.

Born in Devon on October 28, 1924, Mrs Haggett served in the Women’s Land Army near Plymouth and is one of the last remaining Land Army girls who took over the work of those who left to fight in the Second World War.

Mrs Haggett with her granddaughters Chloe and Jodie Tripp (Image: Supplied) The centenarian nominated Alzheimer's Research for her birthday fundraiser to help those that suffer from this neurodegenerative disease and has so far raised £510.

Anyone that would like to contribute to Mrs Haggett's birthday fundraiser can donate on Just Giving here or by phoning Alzheimer’s Research on 0300 111 5555.

One of the few remaining veterans of the Women’s Land Army, she dedicated her early career to essential agricultural work in Bere Alston, west Devon, during the Second World War, taking on roles left vacant by men who had gone to serve.

Mrs Haggett in her Land Army days (Image: Supplied)

Mrs Haggett's daughter Tessa Tripp said: "At age 18, Doris dedicated her early career to essential agricultural work.

"Her efforts contributed significantly to the wartime food supply on the home front, embodying the resilience of her generation."

The birthday celebration brought together family from across the UK, with some travelling from as far afield as Scotland and Clevedon.

Mrs Haggett holds up her card from the King (Image: Supplied) Married in 1949 to John Haggett at South Molton, Mrs Haggett shared an enjoyment of amateur dramatics with her husband.

She supported him - then the youngest Barclays bank manager in the south west - throughout his successful career in the bank, whilst raising children Nicholas and Tessa.

After transferring in the bank to Dorchester, Mr and Mrs Haggett worshipped at Moreton Church, where she organised the flower arrangers for more than 30 years, resulting in the successful annual flower festival held every May.

Mrs Haggett's Land Army certificate (Image: Supplied)

After Mr Haggett died suddenly in 1985, Mrs Haggett opened up a Bed & Breakfast.

Mrs Tripp said: "She ran this for many years and  particularly welcomed people with strong associations with Thomas Hardy, having previously enjoyed his novels when she lived in Devon.

"Her daughter was named after Tess of the D’Urbervilles.  She recalls many hearty debates over meals with Hardy scholars such as Martin Seymour-Smith."

Mrs Haggett moved to live with her daughter and grandchildren in Owermoigne in 2001.  

"The resilience that she showed in her early life has brought her through a great deal of ill health.

"She pays special tribute to the team at Puddletown Surgery who have looked after her so very well over so many years.  She is also now supported by a dedicated group of carers," Mrs Tripp said.