Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

A Royal Air Force veteran has celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by friends, family, and representatives from the armed services in which she served.

Elsie Jones, who was born into a farming family from Northumberland, joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a runner during World War II, passing vital military information between units.

This is when she met her husband to be, John, at a base in Lancashire. The couple got married in 1946, two years before they had their son Allen, who spoke to Caerphilly Observer about his “brilliant” mum.

He said: “She’s always been a brilliant woman and a real character. She was very hard working and would pitch-in whenever anyone needed help.

“My dad was from Tredegar originally, and the pair moved to the area around 1950. Back in the day you’d find her behind the bar, running the place on her own at times.

“We lost my dad in 1988 to a long-term illness, but mum has still been very independent despite living in a care home in Oakdale.

“Even now she’s as sharp as a button. I take her shopping but she does it all herself and never forgets anything.”

Allen, who previously served in the Royal Navy, explained: “It’s a rich military family, a lot of us served somewhere or another. It’s great to see so many servicepeople here today.”

Elsie, who has 19 grandchildren, was “overwhelmed” to see so many people show-up to her party at Woodfieldside OAP Hall on Thursday May 30.

She was met with applause from her friends and family as she was shown her birthday cake and card from the King and Queen.

After settling in, Elsie told Caerphilly Observer: “I’m very happy to see so many people here. I only expected a little cake and some cards.

“I went to Weston-super-Mare last week and had a very good time. I still shop on my own and when I went to Morrisons last week there were loads of people there to wish me well.

“I don’t know what the secret is to a long life, but I’ve enjoyed it.”

After everyone had arrived at the hall, Bread of Heaven and Happy Birthday were sung, as an emotional Elsie thanked everyone in attendance.

A toast was held in celebration of Elsie, met with playful groans from the group after they were told it was non-alcoholic champagne, before members of the armed services stepped forward.

Air Commodore Rob Woods spoke to Elsie on behalf of the RAF. After being thanked for her service and presented with a plaque, Elsie said: “I only served for four years and didn’t have a very important job.”

Cdre Woods quickly reassured Elsie that “every job is crucial” – to which she seemed very touched.

Ken Terry also presented Elsie with a shield on behalf of the Royal British Legion, again thanking her for her work, before the pair chatted about their time served.

Caerphilly County Borough mayor Julian Simmonds and deputy mayor Dawn Ingram-Jones were also at the party.

Speaking to the group, Cllr Simmonds said: “I’d like to thank everyone for coming here today to celebrate a remarkable achievement. I for one am very proud to see Elsie doing so well.”

As party food was brought out, Caerphilly Observer spoke to Cllr Teresa Heron, who is the council’s armed forces community covenant champion, and helps run Caerphilly Veterans Support Hub in Ystrad Mynach every Saturday morning.

She said: “What people don’t realise is that we have over 6,500 veterans in Caerphilly alone. They need more support and their stories should be told.

“The veterans hub serves somewhere between 100 and 150 people every Saturday, giving food and drink out but also offering the chance for people to connect.”

Sarah Coombes, of the council, added her thanks to those who attended the party, and said if anyone wishes to join Woodfield Senior Citizens Group, which meets at the hall for activities and games every Thursday between 2pm and 4pm, to get in touch through the website.