THERE’S no stopping Eric Haynes, president of Teignmouth Art Society, even after he turned 100 on Tuesday this week.

Following joint celebrations in Bletchley with his son Roy, who had his 70th this week, the centenarian returns home to open an exhibition of his life’s work at TAAG on July 13.

Eric retired to Teignmouth with his late wife Lilian in 1985 and has been very active in the community ever since.

He said: ‘I’ve belonged to things all my life and been a member of many art groups. It’s what keeps my mind active.

‘Lilian and I were accepted in Teignmouth straight away. First we were with Shaldon Theatre Company, where I painted scenery and Lilian made costumes.

‘I joined Teignmouth Art Society in 1987 and became chairman after five years. Later I joined the RAF Association and the Twinning Association and was a founder member of Teignmouth International Art Forum.

‘When people retire down here and don’t belong to anything – after the grass is cut and the house decorated – if one dies the other is totally toast.

‘I’ve managed to stay healthy until just over a year ago when I had a fall, and I’m having trouble getting around now. But apart from that I’m on the go all the time.’

The former process engraver still regularly paints and draws. He has exhibited his artwork across Devon and in St Ives, Harrogate and France.

He added: ‘I’ve been doing art all my life really. Now I’m doing it for myself.’

Eric was born in Bromley, Kent, on June 25, 1919.

He attended Bromley School of Art, London School of Process Engraving and Borough Polytechnic.

His apprenticeship as a colour etcher, including all methods of printing illustrations, was cut short by the Second World War.

He said: ‘I signed up with the RAF in September 1939. Most of the next six years I spent in Marine Branch commanding various craft, including on the west coast of Scotland where the weather was the enemy, not the Germans!

‘I met a very nice WAAF, so nice that I married her. Lilian and I started a new life together in 1946, with nothing except our demob money.

‘We quickly found there were no houses or flats anywhere. If you were homeless you got in the queue or squatted, unless you had a rich uncle, or had six children and a pregnant wife.

‘Almost everything we needed for life was rationed, by law or price. We worked very hard and by 1951 we bought a little house in Feltham.

‘There was nothing inside except a bed, cot and kitchen table that I’d made, and two chairs from my parents. So I set to, making furniture.

‘I’ve been making furniture ever since, first for Lilian and then, when our two boys came along, I made toys and boats, including canoes, for them. I did it for money too. I’ve had a brush or chisel in my hands most of my life.

‘Sadly we lost Lilian in 1990, followed by our son Brian in 2011. Brian had a life in sport, and paddled in the K4 at the Montreal Olympics.’

Eric has six grandchildren and one great grandson.

His exhibition at TAAG will be officially opened on July 13, from 6pm to 8pm.