Henfield: Ex Land Girl and flower arranger celebrates 100th birthday

Josephine Allen, who turned 100 on Friday, December 22, was described by her family as an “inspiring and strong” woman.

Josephine, known as José by family and friends, was born in Haywards Heath and served as a Land Girl in the Second World War.

Jose on the farm (Image: Sophie Allen-Etchart)

Granddaughter Sophie Allen-Etchart, José said: “My grandmother is a massively inspiring and strong woman. She’s no-nonsense farming stock and traditional.

“She is a huge entertainer and has a massive Christmas party every year for her birthday.”

Grandson Nick Allen said: “She’s always planning something and there’s always something going on.

MOST READ:

• Nine-storey building with 98 flats to be built at former bank

• 'A crisis like no other' - Thousands are without a home this Christmas

• Roofing boss left victims with wrecked homes and empty bank accounts

​To have access to all of our best stories subscribe to The Argus using our special offer here

“She is really gregarious and welcoming.”

Born in 1923, José worked as a Land Girl in Firle at the outbreak of the Second World War in 1941 when she was 18 years old.

She met her husband John during her time in Sussex and once they married they settled in Cuckfield and she worked on a farm in Scaynes Hill.

After taking up flower arranging Jose later became the chairwoman of the National Association of Flower Arranging Societies in 1983.

Jose holding her great grandchild (Image: Sophie Allen-Etchart)

Her work has seen her travel across the world including to the Netherlands and Belgium as well as working for members of the Royal Family including the late Queen Elizabeth and now King Charles.

José described the secret to a long and happy life as "plenty of sunshine, a good diet and the odd tipple".

Now living in Henfield where she and John moved shortly before he died in 2014, José celebrated her 100th birthday with friends and family.

The party involved a performance from The Candy Girls, a vintage music trio who recently featured in The Great Escaper starring Michael Caine.

She had two children, David and Jennifer, who have both died, as well as grandchildren Sophie, Nick and Edward. She also has four great-grandchildren.