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A Caerphilly great-great-grandmother who was born and raised in the house she still lives in to this day has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Jessie Bushen was born on August 5, 1923 and celebrated her centenary over the weekend.

An active member of the community, Ms Bushen has been involved in a number of groups, including the original Caerphilly Ladies Choir, which she helped create. The choir went on to win at the Eisteddfod when it was held in Caerphilly in 1950.

Ms Bushen has also been a member of the Mothers Union in Caerphilly, and is now the oldest member.

In 1944, Ms Bushen married her husband Ken, with the couple welcoming their first child Gerald and later daughter Susan in 1947.

Now, Ms Bushen has four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild, with most of the family living in Caerphilly.

“I never imagined I would live this long,” Ms Bushen said, “But I’ve always lived a simple life, cherishing every moment and embracing the blessings that came my way.”

Her advice to the younger generation is to appreciate the beauty of life’s simple pleasures, maintain strong connections with family and friends, and give back to the community whenever possible.

Ms Bushen’s son, Gerald Bushen, described his mother as a “remarkable and cherished figure of the community” and hailed her 100th birthday as an “extraordinary milestone of life and unwavering devotion to her roots”.

He continued: “She grew up in the warm embrace of her loving family, and as the years passed, the cozy family home became a repository of cherished memories.

“Generations have come and gone, and through it all, Jessie remained steadfast in her love for her birthplace and the life she built there.

“She has witnessed countless historical events, technological revolutions, and societal transformations, providing her with a unique perspective.”

He added: “As a woman who has seen the world transform dramatically, Jessie reflects on the past with a sense of nostalgia and the future with hope.

“She attributes her long life to healthy habits, the love of her family, and a deep-rooted sense of faith.”