Four generations gather as former magistrate celebrates 100th birthday

A Lichfield care home resident celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by four generations of her family, including relatives who travelled from Spain and the Netherlands.

Mary, who has lived at The Spires Care Home since November 2023, marked her centenary with balloons, flowers and decorations prepared by staff and relatives.

The celebrations brought together family members who travelled from Holland, Nottingham and near Kettering, while Mary’s grandson travelled from southern Spain with his wife and three children.

Members of all four generations of Mary’s family attended, including many of her seven great-grandchildren.

Mary also received a congratulatory birthday card from His Majesty the King.

Reflecting on reaching the milestone, she said: "I feel very lucky to have reached 100, and very lucky to have the wonderful family and friends that I have around me."

Tennis has been an important part of Mary’s life. She met her future husband when she was 17 while playing tennis with friends at Elm Field in Doncaster. He happened to walk past wearing his wartime military uniform.

Mary continued playing tennis throughout her life and was a member of several local clubs, including Wylde Green Church Tennis Club and Streetly Tennis Club in Sutton Coldfield. Her love of the sport was reflected in her birthday cake.

Mary also had a long career in the local legal community. In 1966, she became the first woman to be chairman of the Walsall Magistrates, a position she held for 30 years until 1996.

Eva Dominguez, general manager at The Spires Care Home, said: "We feel so incredibly lucky and delighted to have been part of such a memorable day for Mary and her family.

"From her historic legal career to her lifelong love of tennis, Mary has lived an extraordinary 100 years. Our team was delighted to help bring four generations of her family together to celebrate all the wonderful memories she has made."