Appledore Baptist Church in North Devon was full for a thanksgiving service for the life of Flossie Squires who died on 20 September, 2008, at the age of 82.

She ran a smallholding at Barnacott, Instow, with her brother George for 54 years. He died in 2004.

She was renowned, both locally and nationally, for her traditional country cooking. At the tender age of 79, Flossie was the subject of a six-month series in the Waitrose magazine, Food Illustrated.

The first article featured her recipes for gooseberry fool, jam and chutney. She also appeared on television with top chef Antony Worrel-Thompson, making a trifle as a speciality. He sent a get well card to her when she was admitted to hospital following a fall.

A lot of her recipes were handed down from her mother who was, herself, a very good cook.

Flossie’s sponges were known to be excellent and she always put brandy into her fruit cakes.

Anyone who paid a visit always left with something — a jar of chutney, some home-grown vegetables or free-range eggs.

Flossie never married but delighted in her nephews, nieces and their offspring.

The thanksgiving service was led by the Rev Andrew Littlejohn. Tributes were paid by Dick Chamings and a nephew by marriage, Andy Jones. Everyone was invited for a cream tea after the service.