CENTENARIAN Ethel Spackman puts her old age down to a careful blend of moderation and God.

Mrs Spackman who insists on being called grandma by staff celebrated her 100th birthday yesterday with friends and family at the Wemyss Lodge residential home in Ermin Road, Stratton St Margaret.

And she seemed delighted by the number of cards and flowers she received.

"I have had a lovely birthday that's what comes from having such a nice family and friends.

"I think everything in moderation is a good way to lead your life."

Mrs Spackman, who has a son and daughter Celia Geddes, 65, and Christopher, 71 as well as seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, was born in Butterworth Street in 1903.

Sadly, her other son Robert died in December 1998.

Like a lot of people in the town at the turn of the last century, Mrs Spackman sought employment with the Great Western Railway after leaving school, where she worked in the offices near the site of today's Great Western Designer Outlet.

And in 1925 she met and married her husband, Tom.

"We met at a dance held at Bradford Hall in Devizes Road. He used to work in the GWR offices too, in the accountants department," she said.

The couple moved to Corby Avenue in Old Town in 1934, where she remained until she moved to the home in January. Her husband died in 1965.

Mrs Spackman, who is registered blind, says she found God at the age of 50. "I am a member of the Swindon Evangelical Church and I used to go every week until fairly recently. The Lord has certainly looked after me he has helped me stay positive and get through my problems."

In her younger days Mrs Spackman wowed the crowds with her singing abilities, often performing to packed audiences.

"I used to sing a lot in my teens and early 20s. I entered a lot of competitions in Wales and won a fair few. I still have a few certificates. I used to like singing," she said.

According to Pam Sumner her main carer she is one of the most popular residents at the home.

She said: "She really is a lovely lady. She is quite a private person but everybody loves her.

"She is very alert for her age and is always positive."

Lady Fiona Lansdowne, president of the Wiltshire Blind Association presented her with a bouquet of flowers.