SALCOMBE History Society's oldest member Win Brodie has received a surprise 97th birthday card from the Duchess of Cornwall following her recent visit to the town.

The card, signed simply 'Camilla', arrived in the post shortly after Mrs Brodie was presented to the duchess during the royal visit in July.

Mrs Brodie said: 'She asked me how old I was and I said "I'm going to be 97 next week" – and then the card arrived.'

Mrs Brodie is something of a celebrity in Salcombe, making appearances at the towns Maritime Museum to talk to visitors and attending Salcombe History Society meetings. As one of the few local people left living in the same home in Island Street – now predominantly occupied by second home owners and holidaymakers – Win has seen some changes over the years.

'Where I live in Island Street used to be a Methodist Chapel. My mum and dad were married there and my brother and sister were christened there.

'We all donated half a crown to build it and then it was pulled down. I've got lots of memories.

'Island Street today is full of second homes.'

According to Win: 'It isn't Salcombe any more. Before the war Salcombe was Salcombe. Everyone knew each other. Now, you don't know the people.'

Win's memories and local knowledge are a vital link to the towns disappearing community which still exists on a popular Facebook group Salcombe Old Locals and Yokels. The site has become a way for locals to enjoy a bit of banter and share their photos and memories.

The success of the Facebook site showed that there was a need, which was not being met by the Maritime Museum, to record and preserve the town's social and economic histories before they disappear forever.

So the Salcombe History Society was born.

Cathy Koo, from the society, said: 'The society has a remit to preserve and record the social and economic history of the townspeople who have made Salcombe the wonderful place that visitors like to flock to today.

'It is within living memory that the old ways of life and traditions such as boat building, commerce, fishing and farming have been eroded by the modern way of life.

'Generations of families lived and worked in the town and local area up until very recently.'

Thanks to the hard work and local knowledge of the founder members the society is growing strong and holds regular events such as meetings, film and slide shows and is working to secure funding for a permanent home in the Old Mortuary in Shady combe Road.

Family histories are being built online and if the funding bid is successful the permanent home will be an important resource for researchers as well as providing a secure base for the societies collections.

The society is seeking donations of historical material, photos, film footage as well as oral memoirs and cash donations from anyone, local or visitor, who is interested in preserving the memories of the town.

Second home owners are invited to join the society, Cathy said: 'This is an opportunity for them to integrate themselves into the fabric of the town and help build on the foundations laid by locals like Mrs Brodie and take Salcombe safely into the future for the next generation to enjoy.