Dora Spackman

Royal Wootton Bassett centenarian Dora Spackman (nee Fricker) who died a couple of months before her 101st birthday, was remembered fondly by a packed congregation at St Bartholomew's Church, where she had been christened, confirmed and married, and was a chorister for 57 years.

Dora's determination, joy in living, love of music and vibrant Christian faith inspired all who knew her. She had a sparkling personality and was always interested in other people's lives. She was a great encourager. Canon Thomas Woodhouse returned from Dorchester to officiate at the funeral. He said: "It's my privilege to be here to give thanks for Dora's life."

The Rev Peter Giles, who read a poem Dora had chosen, said: "She radiated love and had the ability to make every one of her friends feel special."

The Very Rev Brian Horlock led prayers and churchwarden David Taylor read Dora's favourite psalm. She had planned the service, including the three hymns. The church choir sang the anthem The Lord Bless Thee and Keep Thee, as their final tribute.

Dora, who had six older siblings, was the first member of the family to be born in Wootton Bassett, where her father, Maurice Fricker, was farm manager for Messrs Bevir.

Dora attended the Church of England School in Station Road and the Rev Barber's Bible class at the old vicarage. On leaving school she worked at Miss Collingborn's fruit and flower shop in the High Street. Dora also used to deliver chickens for her father, who became a poultry dealer.

Her sister Vera was a lady's companion in a London stockbroker's family, and Dora joined the household as a companion for Vera, for three years in her mid-teens. Dora enjoyed a busy social round, and theatre visits with their employers.

Dora settled back into her parents' home at 65 High Street, and worked for a time at McIlroys in Swindon. In her twenties, she was one of the attendants to Swindon Carnival Queen, having been selected by Ivor Novello, after her sister secretly sent in her photo.

Dora had a varied working life, and was for a time secretary to the production manager at Ekco in Malmesbury. Later she delivered school meals to villages around Wootton Bassett.

She was married in 1942 to Reg Spackman, who had taught her to drive. They first met when she asked him to lower her bicycle saddle, so she could cycle to Malmesbury, and they remained a happy couple until his death in 1989. "Reg had a gorgeous bass voice," she said.

Dora was an able driver who transported people to hospitals in Swindon and Oxford. She had also worked in the Swindon office of the Petroleum Board, which delivered fuel to garages and farms over a wide area.

Early in the war, the Army commandeered Reg's business, Spackman's Garage, opposite the Manor House, and Reg was assigned to war work at Marine Mountings.

During the war he and Dora lived in a flat at Lethbridge Road in Swindon's Old Town, before moving back to Wootton Bassett to their prefabricated bungalow next to the garage. Their only daughter, Jane, was born in 1948. Dora worked for Reg in the office, and also did a lot of taxi work. She used to recall starting her Austin 7 with a starting handle, and operating the choke with a piece of string. She once drove a Lanchester with mica windows to Devon, to collect a large, lively dog which broke one of the windows on the way back.

Dora's final job, where she spent 15 years, was as solicitors' receptionist at Bevir's Offices in the High Street, and she regularly attended reunions with former colleagues. She also enjoyed parties with friends and neighbours in Wood Street, where she spent 20 years and was a popular resident.

She lived at Noredown Way before moving to Wood Street. She was the star of her 100th birthday party at The Croft last May. Having moved into Bassett House, she continued to enjoy a wide circle of friends and always had many visitors.

Dora, who in her younger days had sung on a cruise ship, as a member of the entertainments staff, was invited to join ENSA, to entertain the troops, after the war, but declined as she looked forward to starting a family.

She had singing lessons for some years and performed at the Cafe Royal, an in BBC broadcasts with the late Jack Winter. She sang with Mrs Parsons' choir at Bristol and performed at many venues around the area.

On December 11, 2015, at a Christmas concert at Bassett House, where she apologised for not having sung solos for 20 years, she gave a wonderful rendition of O My Beloved Father, and also sang a duet with her great-great-niece Tamsin Ball, who is a professional singer. Tamsin performed the solo at the funeral, and entertained the congregation of more than 300 people afterwards, when refreshments were served in the church.

Cremation took place at Semington.

Memorial donations are for Mission Aviation Fellowship and Prospect Hospice, and may be sent c/o Maslin Funeral Service, 118a High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett SN4 7AU.