PERHAPS Alresford's oldest-ever resident has passed away, aged 105... and a half.

Irene Elliott was born in Woking on September 20 1912, less than six months after the Titanic sank.

On leaving school she worked in an office until she married Alf in 1929.

She was involved in giving out refreshments to troops returning from Dunkirk and so she decided on employment to help the war effort. She got a job at GQ Parachute company in Woking as an inspector.

After the war she and Alf moved to Ripley and she worked as a secretary for 17 years at Surrey Police Headquarters.

In 1962 they moved to High Wycombe as Alf had been asked to open a garage at High Wycombe. Irene managed the administrative side of their new business.

They returned to Surrey after an opportunity arose to run a service station at Coxbridge, just outside Farnham, where they bought a bungalow and lived for 23 years.

After retiring they moved to Alresford where Irene joined many clubs. She and Alf enjoyed walking, gardening and travelling together. Irene was also very fond of art, needlework and tapestry many examples of which she kept at her home.

She became a member of St John’s Church in Alresford and in her later life was confirmed as a Christian, enjoying a lovely garden party after the service.

Irene shared many memories with her family. One particular event she remembered was being taken to Scotland by her mother to see the German High Seas fleet being escorted to Scapa Flow at the end of the First World War and being reunited with her father who was serving with the Royal Navy.

Irene led a full, varied and happy life, remaining in her own bungalow in Bramble Hill, Alresford, until her death at 105 and a half. “Don't forget the half,” she would say!!!!!