Albert Edward Prince of Wales Court resident gets her ears pierced to celebrate her 103rd birthday

Roma Davies, a resident at Albert Edward Prince of Wales Court, in Porthcawl, has recently celebrated her 103rd birthday.

To mark this milestone, resident Roma visited a local beauty retailer, with support from the Home’s staff, to have her ears pierced. Why? She explains:

My original ear piercings had healed over, but I really wanted them redone so I could wear earrings again!

Roma chose some sparkling studs.

Later on the day, Albert Edward Prince of Wales Court’s staff helped her come to the Home’s main lounge, where many residents were waiting. Nicky Osborne, one of the Home’s Activities Coordinators, says:

As she entered the room, we all shouted ‘surprise’ and sang ‘happy birthday’ to her! She was visibly moved.

Roma Davies enjoyed a celebration complete with cake, party food and a live performance by Paul Harvey, one of the Home’s Activities Coordinators, who played the guitar for her. Roma said to all the attendees:

I can’t believe how many people have been sitting here, waiting for me. Thank you, everyone; I am overwhelmed.

One of the guests was a staff member’s daughter, who is only three. There is a whole century between them. Roma looked at her reflectively and added:

It’s surprising how things have changed since I was a little girl.

An eventful existence

Roma was born on 26 June 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. The couple travelled extensively around East Africa and even walked the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in the continent.

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 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. “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.

Roma’s exciting life at the Home

Roma moved into Albert Edward Prince of Wales Court in 2018 and was joined by her sister Gwyneth in 2020. Since she moved into the Home, Roma has joined in all the Home’s activities. Her input includes poems, short stories and, of course, her greatest love: knitting. She makes baby clothes and booties, and the Home’s staff have raffled blankets and cushions that she has made.

Resident Roma Davies with her sister Gwyneth, who moved to Albert Edward Prince of Wales Court in 2020.

Asked about her secret for a long life, Roma says:

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

She also gave 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!

Alison Aberdeen, the Home Manager, says:

It was an absolute pleasure to help Roma celebrate her 103rd birthday. Roma has lived with us for some years and has impacted on the Home in such a positive way throughout this time.

She has such a strength of character and huge resolve, and works tirelessly to support the Home, our staff and her fellow residents. She is a true inspiration to us all.

[Summary: Roma Davies, a resident at RMBI Care Co. Home Albert Edward Prince of Wales Court, in Porthcawl, has celebrated her 103rd birthday. She got her ears pierced so she could wear earrings again. Roma celebrated her birthday with fellow residents and staff at the Home, enjoying a birthday cake, party food and a live performance.]