ON New Year's Eve, a woman who lived at Copplestone for 30 years of her life has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Marjorie Pearcey and her husband, John, lived at Bewsley Farm, Copplestone, from 1958 to 1984.

Marjorie was born at Crowcombe, Somerset, on the last day of 1909. Her father, William Mullins, was a local baker and his bread and cakes were delivered in the area by horse and cart.

She met her husband, John Pearcey at Stogumber Baptist Church, also in Somerset. They were married in 1939 and moved to nearby Martock, where Majorie helped with the sheep, pigs, cows and poultry and drove the farm's two tractors.

While at Martock, the couple's children, Graham and Sandra were born.

Following the move to Copplestone, the couple played an active part in the life of the community.

Daughter Sandra told the Courier: "When they began farming there the station at Copplestone was in regular use and at Christmas they sent turkeys and chickens in the goods van to relatives in London who were butchers.

"Marjorie took in paying guests for a time and was able to supplement the farm income.

"She also helped at the Friendship Club at the village hall."

Son Graham, who lives at Bewsley Farm today, explained: "Following this period, John and Marjorie enjoyed nine happy years of retirement together, at Wellington, in Somerset.

"Then, sadly, John became too ill to live at home, and was cared for at a nearby nursing home, where he died a year later.

"Mother continued to enjoy living amongst the community at Lyddon Close, Wellington, until she had major surgery in 1998.

"My sister retired from her teaching post at St. Marks School, Bath, and moved in with mother just prior to the operation.

"Within six months mother had recovered fully, though gave up driving the car.

"Since she had been riding and driving on public roads for 77 years, she missed the habit considerably!

"Her mode of transport has included horseback, horse and cart, early Ford van (in 1921, aged 12!) Ford model 'T', a motor cycle, Fordson tractor, (wartime ploughing) a couple of Austin tens, two Wolseleys, and a Rover 216."

Graham added: "Sandra has continued to look after mother, which has been a tremendous help."

While Marjorie has suffered from two falls in the last three years, she has recovered from both and still enjoys going to the local Milway Chapel to one, or often, both Sunday services.

She is also keen to enjoy the mid-week "get together" at the chapel.

While her faith is very important to her, Marjorie enjoys singing, reading and card games and enjoys days out too, for example, a local garden centre.

A party with family and friends was held at Milway Chapel to mark Marjorie's 100th.

The youngest person there was Marjorie's great granddaughter, Grace, aged just 11 months, but also there was Marjorie's younger sister, Agnes, aged 90.

Graham added: "It was a wonderful occasion and mother extends best wishes to all who knew her when she lived at Copplestone."

Sandra added that it had been with the help of carers that her mother has been able to remain in her home.

She added: "She puts the secret of her longevity down to her trust in God when she was young."

Alan Quick