"I really like being 100," said Tenby's Mrs. Gwenith James at her 100th birthday party on Saturday. Civic dignitaries joined with family and close friends to toast the centenarian's special birthday at a celebratory luncheon at Swallowtree Gardens, Saundersfoot. A champagne reception at the hotel's new marquee kick-started a memorable day for Mrs. James, a resident at Park House Court. Mayor of Tenby, Clr. John Griffiths, made a colourful visit in his scarlet robes of office and presented her with that all-important telegram from Her Majesty The Queen. Accompanied by mace bearer Trevor Hallett and town crier John Thomas, who proclaimed her birthday in great style, Clr. Griffiths also gave Mrs. James a commemorative scroll from Tenby Town Council. In addition, there were also goodwill messages sent by the National Assembly for Wales, Pembrokeshire County Council, whose vice-chairman Clr. Robin Evans had visited Mrs. James earlier in the week, and Saundersfoot Community Council. Mrs. James had also received special presentations from Bert Barnikel, president of Tenby Bowling Club, of which she was a founder member of the ladies' section, and the Tenby and District branch of RAFA, as she has been a much-valued member since she was widowed by her husband Charles in 1979, who had served in the Royal Air Force. Both whist groups from the Royal British Legion and Bowling Club also offered splendid bouquets. Travelling from as far afield as Vietnam, Canada, Austria and Switzerland, every one of Mrs. James's descendants was at the celebrations, except sadly her youngest son. A four-course lunch followed at the hotel, which was decked in balloons - in Mrs. James's favourite colour purple - and photographs from the 10 decades of her life. Grace was said by Rev. Nanette Lewis-Head, minister of St. Johns Church, where Mrs. James has worshipped for almost 50 years. Later, a celebratory cake made by Vicky and organised by Mark, the chef at Carringtons, was cut and enjoyed by all present, while Gareth Davies, the well-known photographer, was on hand to capture the historic family occasion on camera. Pianist Brian Jobson was also in attendance, playing Mrs. James's favourite tunes, and afterwards everyone enjoyed singing family songs, and watching great-granddaughter Emily, aged eight, from Geneva, give a hip hop dance display she has prepared for a show, wearing a special t-shirt with 100 on the back! Mrs. James, meanwhile, was dressed in, of course, purple and in an outfit, complemented by a frisky purple 'fascinator', all from her much-loved, TP Hughes - she was a real TPs babe! "We had a fabulous day," said Mrs. James's daughter, Diana, afterwards. "Everyone has been so kind and mum really did enjoy the celebrations. Staff at Park House Court have been wonderful and at Swallowtree Gardens, Clare and Sheridan really couldn't have done more for us. It was a super day which all the family will remember for many years to come. The weather was glorious, allowing full use of the terrace by the lively grandchildren." And the celebrations continued on Sunday at Park House Court, when staff and fellow residents joined Mrs. James for a slice of birthday cake topped in cream - plus strawberries dipped in chocolate - made especially for the occasion by Tom, their chef.