FAMILY and friends joined Trowbridge great grandmother Mary O’Brien at Wingfield Care Home on Saturday for a special celebration to mark her 100th birthday.

Mrs O’Brien, who was born in Ireland in 1915, turned 100 last Friday (July 10) and was joined by more than 30 family members and friends, as well as care home staff, for a party to celebrate the significant milestone the next day.

After growing up in Ireland, Mrs O’Brien moved to Trowbridge in the 1930s, before meeting her husband Danny O’Brien and marrying in 1943 at St John’s Catholic Church in Wingfield Road.

The couple moved back to Ireland for a period to raise their three children, Pat, Peter and Kevin, before returning to Trowbridge. They spent most of their work lives at West Wilts Golf Club, where Mr O’Brien was the club professional.

Son Peter, who recently moved back to Trowbridge, said: “She has lived in Trowbridge for about half of her life. She was born in Ireland, but came to Trowbridge as a teenager in the 1930s, before meeting dad when he was the pro at West Wilts Golf Club.

“She mainly worked with my dad as his assistant at the golf club. She would run the shop and look after the commercial side, while he focused on the golf side. They had a great working partnership, before he died 30 years ago.

“Most people will know mum from when she lived in Gloucester Road, where she lived for 30 years until she came to live with me a couple of years ago. She moved into Wingfield Care Home in the last year, which is why we have moved back recently.

“It was lovely for her to be able to celebrate with all the family and it is a significant milestone for her to reach her 100th birthday. I would say her secret to her long life is her good humour and ability to laugh at herself and everyone else.”

Following the party at Wingfield Care Home on Saturday, many family members and friends carried on the party on Sunday at St John’s Catholic Church, where the guests enjoyed birthday cake.

Mrs O’Brien, who has seven grandchildren as well as several great grandchildren, received a congratulatory telegram from the Queen and a personal letter from the President of Ireland to mark her 100th birthday.

“The party was a big success from our viewpoint,” said Mr O’Brien. “She is a very gregarious person and everyone enjoys her company. The celebration at the church on the Sunday was lovely and everyone enjoyed some cake.”