Wiltshire’s knitting-mad pensioner celebrates 100th birthday

Doris Archer lived in Walcot for 60 years before moving to Cricklade in 2014 to be closer to her family.

She was born in Morton Pinkney in Northamptonshire but later moved to Watford, where she met her husband Fred there and married in July of 1945.

The pensioner used to work at The Co-operative but then took a step back when having her two sons, Philip and Malcolm.

Fred died in 2005, eventually prompting the move to Cricklade for Doris so that she could be with the rest of the family.

Yet disaster struck as son Philip died in 2016, just two years after moving his mother into the area.

“We bought the bungalow and decorated it all but unfortunately he died just two years later my husband passed away,” said daughter-in-law Chris.

Doris met her husband Fred in Watford after World War Two. (Image: Carrie Archer)

Doris loves to travel and went to France and Italy with Fred but never to America with him despite it being her dream.

“My daughter lives near Seattle in the States so on Doris’ 85th birthday, we took her there and she was so excited to finally visit,” said Chris.

“We had lunch in the iconic Space Needle tower and she thought it was amazing how it rotated.”

The 69-year-old revealed that Doris is loving life in Cricklade as she is the eldest member of the Cricklade Open Door club.

“She loves doing it and she tells everyone that it is one of the best things that she has ever done as she has made lots of new friends,” said Chris.

“Doris goes three times a week for coffee, lunch and to knit, often making blankets for the homeless.

“It makes me so proud that she does this for such a worthy cause.”

Doris is the eldest member at the Cricklade Open Door club. (Image: Carrie Archer)

The birthday comprises of a whole host of events including town crier Eric Cripps coming round to ring the bell in her honour.

“We will have some fizz and a cake to celebrate the day at the Open Door Club,” Chris said before the big day.

“She will go home after lunch so that she can celebrate with her three grandchildren, let’s hope she doesn’t fall asleep.”

Doris remains most excited for the traditional telegram from King Charles III, expected to come through the post soon.

“We are expecting a card from the King but it has not arrived as of yet but it won’t be long."

“She is very excited about getting a telegram from the King and it will more than likely be framed.”