Roma celebrates 100th birthday with friends
A RESIDENT at RMBI Care Co. Home Albert Edward Prince of Wales Court, in Porthcawl, has celebrated her 100th birthday.
Roma Davies enjoyed a celebration complete with a buffet at the care home with, fellow residents, her family and the Deputy Mayor of Porthcawl, Tracy Hill, who congratulated Roma on her special day. The staff were determined to ensure that she had a memorable birthday, so they safely arranged this gathering for her, where she delivered a speech to guests.
Roma was born on June 26, 1921 in Hakin, Milford Haven, where she went to school and lived with her parents, her sister and her great aunt.
She was taught to knit at aged three, and had just turned 18 when the Second World War started. She recalls: “There was no food, and clothes had to be altered. I remember making pillow cases out of old sheets.”
Although Roma spent her entire childhood in the same area, soon after she would see the world. When she married Frederick, who was an inspector for the Naval Ordinance, they moved to Kenya, where they spent three years.
Shortly after, the couple had three children: Richard, Peter and Freda. On their return from Kenya, Roma and her family would enjoy camping all around Great Britain. This led her to take a post in the Girl Guides, where she stayed for 15 years, starting as a Lieutenant and then becoming a Captain.
A tireless activist throughout her life, Roma joined the National Federation of Women’s Institute at 65
Roma sadly lost her husband when she was 80. “Fred was a marvellous husband and I was so blessed to spend my life with him,” she said. Despite her loss, she kept active in the following years.
At aged 88, Roma took up computer lessons so that she could communicate with her loved ones through email and video calls, and even took many of her Women’s Institute friends with her on the course.
Asked about her secret for a long life, Roma said: “Don’t envy anyone and don’t have secrets. Have a life of service helping others.”