THE year that marked the end of the First World War also saw the start of an amazing life – that of Mary Thomas.
And on Saturday (October 21), Mary celebrated her 105th birthday with a small celebration with family and friends at her flat in Shaftesbury.
The former volunteer with groups including Westminster Memorial Hospital, the Royal British Legion and the WI, was typically modest on her big day, saying she was “not someone important”.
However, her family – and your New Blackmore Vale – disagree.
“Mum has lived in Shaftesbury since she and my late father, Cubby, retired there in 1989,” said son, Richard.
“He had been a teacher after retiring from the RAF where he had been a bomber pilot during the second world war and had won the Air Force Cross (AFC).
“A champion swimmer and diver in her youth, mum became involved in a number of local voluntary groups in Shaftesbury including Westminster Memorial hospital, the Royal British Legion, Probus, and the WI but is now fully retired.”
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Mary is pictured holding the photo she got from the late Queen in 2018 when she was 100, alongside the photo she got this week from King Charles.
“The latest photo will be framed and put with the one from the Queen of course,” Richard added.
“We gave mum a small celebration to mark her 105th birthday with just family and a few friends to tea at her flat in Shaftesbury.
“Typically she said she didn’t want any fuss, “because I’m not someone important”. She certainly is to us.”
Happy birthday Mary!
Mary Thomas turned 105 on Saturday, October 21, in Shaftesbury
Actually, Paul, the date of her birthday is 20 October – so three weeks before the end of World War 1 – but mum isn’t going to bother about an extra day!