A 100th birthday party for a Newtown woman was extra special today (Friday) in addition to congratulations from the Queen.
Francess Williams celebrated her milestone birthday surrounded by her loved ones, balloons, flowers and cards at The Oaks care home in Newtown.
The great- grandmother of 13 was delighted to receive congratulations from across the UK as well as a special video message from her son who lives in South Africa.
Francess Williams celebrates 100th birthday surrounded by loved-ones at Newtown care home on January 14, 2022. Picture by Anwen Parry/County Times
Her daughter, Ann, said: "She's amazing. She's one of these women that, no matter what you do, she's behind you and she never criticises. She's been brilliant.
"She doesn't usually like the fuss but she's loving seeing family here because of Covid. She takes everything in her stride. She doesn't complain. She's from a different generation."
Francess Williams who celebrated her 100th birthday on January 14, 2022.
Francess Williams, who was born in Hampshire on January 14, 1922, moved to Liverpool when her father retired from the Royal Marines and become the steward of Edge Lane Army Barracks. It was at the barracks that she met her future husband, Lol.
Ann said: "My grandparents on my dad's side had a dairy farm in Liverpool. My Aunty Dora went to the barracks to see if they could the milk order, and when she went back she said 'I've seen an ever so nice lady down at the barracks'. So, my dad was down there the next day. She was 16 and he was 18 and the rest was history."
Francess and Lol enjoyed a 67-year marriage, during which they had four children and 15 grandchildren. In 1987, the couple moved in Newtown, a market town that Francess loved visiting while on holiday, after living in South Africa for six years.
Newtown Mayor Councillor Richard Williams joined the birthday party to present Francess with a special message from Her Majesty.
"It was great to be able to visit Francess today on her 100th birthday and present her with a card from The Queen," he said.
"It was lovely that her entire family was able to attend and visit in person, having been unable to do during the pandemic. On behalf of the people of Newtown we wish her a wonderful 100th birthday."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here