Former Hastings Landgirl and Buchanan Hospital cook is set to celebrate 100th birthday

A former war-time Landgirl from Hastings who was a cook at the Buchanan Hospital for many years is celebrating her 100th birthday this month.
Vera Sexton during the war SUS-200713-141145001Vera Sexton during the war SUS-200713-141145001
Vera Sexton during the war SUS-200713-141145001

Her daughter Linda Elliott said: “My mother Mrs Vera Sexton has lived in Hastings for 75 years and will be 100 years old on July 25.

“She was in the Women’s Land Army and was billeted In Hastings and around this area.

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“She married my dad Mr Raymond Sexton, from London, who she met before the war where he was stationed at Cooden Beach Hotel training for the Royal Artillery.

Vera Sexton with her daughters SUS-200713-141117001Vera Sexton with her daughters SUS-200713-141117001
Vera Sexton with her daughters SUS-200713-141117001

They first met outside a fish and chip shop in Lewes, where she lived, and were married for 56 years.

“Mum used to cycle from Robertsbridge, were she was in the Land Army, to see him. She also rode a motorbike, and drove a car and tractors during the war.

“They married on 8th July 1945, one month after the end of the war while he had a few days leave. They moved to Hastings where she still lives.

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Mum remembers on V.E. day in 1945 staying out all night celebrating by drinking tea.

“Mum was a cook at Alexandra House and then The Buchanan Hospital, where many local children were born, for many years until she retired.

“She has two daughters and son in-laws, six grandchildren and nine great grand children.

“She has loved living in Hastings for 75 happy years.

“Mum has lots of happy memories of Hastings Pier, also the White Rock Gardens and watching the outdoor bowls. Alexandra Park is also a favourite of mum’s and the Old Town.

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She loves flowers and when is taken out for a ride admires the wonderful displays of plants and flowers Hastings puts on from Warrior Square and along the seafront. She has never had a garden but enjoys her window boxes.

“Mum still lives on her own with help from her family and she still cooks all her meals. She likes a Chinese, curry and fish and chips.

“She enjoys watching quizzes, snooker and football as well as reading and is very fond of doughnuts.

Mum has always walked every day around Hastings and done her own shopping until she broke her hip last year. She has recovered amazingly and is a very strong lady with a wicked sense of humour. She never gives in and we are all very proud of her.

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“Mum used to knit school jumpers for her grandchildren and once knitted 24 tea cosies and bedsocks for the residents of a care home for Christmas, when she was in her , she was in her 90’s - ‘for the oldies,’ she joked.

“We will be celebrating mum’s 100 birthday on July 25, with an afternoon tea in our garden, social distancing of course.”

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