SERVING tea to the King of Spain, the Princess Royal and actor Nigel Havers - all in a half-century's work for waitress Stella Dowkes.

It was the end of an era at the Black Swan Hotel, Helmsley, yesterday when the 71-year-old finally retired - after a 57-year stint.

Mrs Dowkes, who started on the hotel reception on April 1, 1946, when she was only 15, met up with six of the managers she has worked for over the years.

"It was a lovely surprise to see them there," she said.

"I didn't know they had contacted all these managers, it was quite overwhelming. It brought back a lot of old memories."

Mrs Dowkes, who will be 72 in July, has plenty to reminisce about, including some high-profile clientele among the guests she has met.

The Duke of Marlborough, Lord Linley and his wife, Serena, and Lord Lichfield have all stayed at the Black Swan during her "reign".

"They all came with the shooting parties, although not all at once," said Mrs Dowkes.

"Nigel Havers was very nice, like it says on the television, he was a real charmer."

After five years on reception, Mrs Dowkes married Cyril, who went on to become head barman at the hotel for almost 30 years.

Mrs Dowkes moved to the restaurant, where she has seen plenty of changes over the decades.

"The hotel has, of course, got larger since I started and it all seems more relaxed now," she said.

"We call the manager by his Christian name, but I could never get used to that.

"And the wages are different, when I started I worked six days a week for 19 shillings and sixpence, and it cost five guineas to stay there a week."

Mrs Dowkes said she never thought she would stay so long, but with a good working environment, friendly staff and guests, it just seemed to happen.

Now she has retired she will be popping back for a coffee, and meeting waitress Jean Barton, who started in 1958 and is still at the hotel.

But first she is enjoying a well-earned break - starting with breakfast in bed from husband Cyril.

Updated: 11:17 Wednesday, April 02, 2003