Littlehampton volunteer turns 100

It’s a question well worth asking in Volunteers’ Week, when the nation celebrates the contributions of its army of unpaid helpers.

At the grand old age of 97, Violet, or Vi, of Oaklands Court, Fitzalan Road, has worked as a volunteer in Littlehampton’s Save the Children charity shop, in Surrey Street, for more than 11 years.

She said: “I have always had a love for children. I’ve been a children’s nurse all my life.

“Being the eldest of five brothers and sisters, I had been caring for children from a very young age.

Born in Lingfield, near Haywoods Heath, in 1914, Vi left school at 16 to train as a children’s nurse. After qualifying, she worked mainly in London. However, with the outbreak of the Second World War, Vi moved to Chichester to care for young children and orphans.

“It was a terrible time,” she said. “We each had to look after 13 children,

“We had to do regular air raid drills with all of the children.

“I’ll never forget it.”

After the war Vi went back to live in London. During 1963 she looked after Cabinet minister John Profumo’s children, in the midst of his scandalous affair with Christine Keeler.

“I was their nanny during all the scandal and news reports. I remember we stayed up in Scotland and there were photographers outside the door. It was a very busy time.”

Although retired for many years, she is remarkably active for someone so close to their centenary. In February, her voluntary work with Save the Children was recognised when she was introduced to Princess Anne on her visit to the charity’s shop in Littlehampton.

Vi says the key to a good life is plenty of exercise and living it to the full.

“People always think I’m only 70. I always go walking. I once went on a charity walk with Jimmy Savile.

“I also love to swim in the sea too, but I’m going to wait until it warms up a bit first.”

Save the Children Littlehampton shop manager, Joyce Fisk, 80, said: “Vi is extraordinary.

“She is one of the most active people we know - she’s inspirational.”

Vi is now planning on taking a cruise later in the year.