Albert Edward Prince of Wales Court resident shares wisdom for younger women to honour Women’s History Month

Roma Davies, a centenarian resident at Albert Edward Prince of Wales Court, in Porthcawl, has the secret for a long and fulfilling life:

Don’t envy anyone and don’t have secrets. Have a life of service helping others.

Roma, who turned 100 last year, was born on 26 June 1921 in Hakin, Milford Haven. She was taught to knit when she was only three years old, and had just turned 18 when the Second World War started. At that time, her resilience was put to the test. She recalls:

There was no food, and clothes had to be altered. I remember making pillow cases out of old sheets.

When she married her husband, who was an inspector for the Naval Ordinance, they moved to Kenya, where they spent three years. Roma travelled extensively around East Africa and even walked the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in the continent. Shortly after, she had three children.

A life of service

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 and became a founding member of the Women’s Institute in Milford Haven. She arranged many activities to advance the education of women and girls and even became president on several occasions.

Her involvement in such initiatives led Roma to win an award in her home town, which recognised her outstanding contributions to Milford Haven. Likewise, Pembrokeshire Council awarded her for her contributions to intergenerational activities in the local area.

Roma sadly lost her husband when she was 80. 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.

Roma moved into Albert Edward Prince of Wales Court in 2018. Activities Coordinator Mandy Kilpatrick-Evans says:

Roma joins us in all our activities. Her input includes poems, short stories and, of course, her greatest love: knitting. We have raffled blankets and cushions that she has made at Albert Edward Prince of Wales Court. Her knit is absolutely amazing! She’s been a true inspiration to me.

Roma’s biggest passion is knitting. She has even made blankets and cushions for the Home’s residents and staff to enjoy.

Alison Aberdeen, the Home Manager, says:

Roma is a strong woman and a valued member of the Home. She has great respect from everyone who knows her.

Roma also gives some advice to the younger generations:

Do unto others as you would want them to do unto you. Live for the day and expect highs and lows!

[Summary: Roma Davies, a centenarian resident at Albert Edward Prince of Wales Court, in Porthcawl, South Wales, shares her wisdom for younger women to celebrate International Women’s Day 2022.]