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 great grandmother is set to receive a telegram from King Charles III after celebrating her 100th birthday.

Phyllis Price marked her centenary on September 30, with a telegram from the new monarch on its way, having been delayed due to the mourning period following Queen Elizabeth II’s death.

Born in Trethomas in 1922, Phyllis grew up on Standard Street and was the second eldest of six girls. Growing up, most of Phyllis’ family were mineworkers at Bedwas Colliery.

She first met her future husband, Marshall Price, as a child. The couple tied the knot in 1942 – when Phyllis was 19 and Marshall 21.

The couple were married for more than 60 years and lived together in Machen, where Marshall was from. They celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary together before Marshall’s passing in 2009.

Together, the couple had one son, Geoffrey, as well as three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

During her working years, Phyllis worked on the railways before going onto work at the Alcan aluminium site in Rogerstone. She also spent time working at the laundrette at St Woolos Hospital in Newport.

She retired in her 60s and had a variety of part time jobs after that, including a home help job, where she did tasks such as cleaning and giving food to the elderly.

As well as knitting, sewing and reading, Phyllis loved going on holiday, and enjoyed trips to Spain, Cyprus and Greece.

To mark her 100th birthday, Phyllis’ family gathered at Parklands Care Home in Bedwas, where she now lives. Councillor Liz Aldworth, who is the Mayor of Caerphilly County Borough, as well as the ward councillor for Bedwas and Trethomas, also paid Phyllis a visit.

A special 100th birthday cake was made for Phyllis by Trethomas-based Rae’s Grace Cakes.

Speaking on her birthday, Phyllis told Caerphilly Observer: “I’ve enjoyed my day. It’s lovely to see family and the Mayor.

“I would like to thank the home [Parklands] for all they’ve done for me, and I’d like to thank my family as well.”

Speaking about the secret to her longevity, Phyllis said: “It’s good living and no smoking – and I like my Baileys.”

Phyllis’ daughter-in-law, Caroline Price, said: “Phyllis has always been very good to us. She’s bubbly and likes to be involved in things. She’s full of life.”

Lily James, a care assistant at Parklands, said: “Phyllis is a lovely lady – she’s an inspiration. She’s so independent and very thoughtful.

“It’s great to see her reach her 100th birthday.”