SURVIVING two bombings during the Second World War and being a familiar face to many at Holy Rood Primary School as a dinner lady are just two things Joyce Winterman has achieved in 100 years.

The centenarian celebrated her milestone birthday yesterday, surrounded by her family at Kingsmead Care Home in Prospect Place, Old Town.

A true Bristolian at heart, Joyce grew up in the city with her two brothers and two sisters.

It was on an evening out to Weston-super-Mare that Joyce met the love of her life, Walter, as the pair got chatting while queuing to watch a film.

They married when Joyce was just 20 years old, and the couple welcomed their daughter Linda into the world in 1946, and the family moved to London.

When Linda was aged 12 they relocated to Swindon, spending 29 years in Highworth.

“To be away from your own family must have been hard living in London but then to lose your home twice,” said Linda, 71.

“She has always been there for her grandchildren and great grandchildren and always helps them out.”

It was only up until 18 months ago that Joyce lived independently having lost Walter many years ago.

“Up until then she was living on her own, doing her own housework until she fell over and ended up in hospital. It was more or less from then on that she came here,” Linda added.

“Mum and dad used to go on holidays and they went abroad quite a lot – they did everything together.”

Joyce has three grandchildren - Perry, Keith and Kay - as well as six great-grandchildren: Tyler; Archie; Lauren; Austin; Jessica; and Jackson.