A lady from Trethomas has been thrown a surprise party for a very special occasion.
Catherine Newman turned 100-years-old on Wednesday, August 1 and was town the surprise birthday party by her friends, family and neighbours at her home in Trethomas.
Mrs Newman worked in a munitions factory in Birmingham during the second world war, before moving to Trethomas when her late husband took a job in Bedwas Navigation Colliery after serving as a warrant officer in the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm branch.
A mother of three, Mrs Newman also has six grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.
Speaking at her party, which was attended by several councillors and Caerphilly’s mayor, Mrs Newman said: “This is something I didn’t expect when I woke up this morning. I want to thank my family and my neighbours, this is hugely appreciated.
“Many of my neighbours are the sons and daughters of people who were here when I moved to the village. It is marvellous what they have done for me.
Asked what the secret to her longevity is, Mrs Newman said: “The only think I can think of is walking. I have always loved walking and when I was a child, we were always outdoors.”
Mrs Newman’s daughter, Elizabeth, said: “She remembers things better than we do, she’s as sharp as a button.
“We are genuinely in awe of her. It is one thing being a hundred, i’s another thing being this good at a hundred.”
Jill Winslade, community cllr for the Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen ward, said: “Its been a wonderful day as chair of BTM community council to have been part of Mrs Newman’s 100th birthday celebrations.
“It is an achievement not granted to many and it is made even more special for me as she’s been my family’s neighbour for many years.
“Mrs Newman is an integral part of the street’s community made quite obvious by her neighbours and friends singing happy birthday and joining in the joyous occasion with her lovely family.”