A WREXHAM woman will be celebrating a milestone birthday in lockdown.

Patricia Woodhouse, of Johnstown, has looked back on her life after being born 100 years ago today in Wrexham.

She said: “People have made ever such a fuss of me. I feel so grateful for everything.”

The centenarian explained how she was born in 1921 at the former Travellers pub, on Bangor Road, and grew up in Wrexham with her family running the business.

She said: “My parents and grandparents have always been publicans and I’ve lived in pubs all my life. Mind you, I never got a taste for beer. Occasionally I’ll enjoy a glass of Baileys but that’s it.”

She lived an exciting life with the National Fire Service – a single service across the UK created in 1941 during the Second World War.

She explained how she was serving in the “lively” Southampton area when D-Day hit and recalls her experiences of the day.

Ms Woodhouse said: “On June 4, I was rushed to hospital for an emergency appendicitis operation. Days later, on June 6, it was D-Day.

“On that day, everybody who could be moved out of Southampton’s big hospital was because they needed the space for casualties.

“I remember being bundled into the back of an ambulance with a load of men and a shawl wrapped round me. There were some horrified gasps when that shawl slipped off and they realised I was a woman – there had been some pretty choice language up until that point!”

She went on to say that she recovered from her operation a few miles away in Winchester before relocating to Winsford in Cheshire and had her son Andrew Williams.

Patricia eventually returned to the Johnstown area where she continues to live in her own home.

The 100-year-old shared that she has got a love of tigers – having collected various cuddly toys and plates with her favourite animal displayed in her home – and has a long-standing love of Frank Sinatra music.

Lockdown has been tough for Patricia, who says she can go days without seeing anyone.

She said: “I haven’t been out since March. It is all a bit depressing, but I always count my blessings thinking I’m very lucky. The only thing wrong with me is extreme old age – I have not got any illnesses or ailments to worry about.

“I’ve got lots of good friends – its just a shame they can’t come and visit me because of all the rules.”

The mum-of-one also told the Leader how she misses her son – who lives in Newport, South Wales – and is disappointed that she cannot celebrate her birthday the way she’d have liked too with a party.

For her birthday, she has had lots of birthday cards already and will spend the morning with her friend – who is part of her support bubble.

Her son has also sent up a person-shaped pillow with his face on it for her to cuddle and has extra surprises being delivered on her birthday itself.

The community of Johnstown have gone the extra mile to mark Patricia’s special day with a few extra surprises for her.

Cllr David A Bithell, Deputy Leader and local representative for Johnstown, told the Leader that it has been arranged for Patricia to receive a celebratory letter from the Mayor of Wrexham.

She will also receive some flowers from Rhos Community Council and an afternoon tea courtesy of Johnstown Bakery.

Children at Ysgol Yr Hafod have also created some handmade cards for this amazing community figure.

He said: “I have known Pat a number of years and she has been an active member of the over 60’s club and local community.

“Her son contacted me and was disappointed he could not come up from Newport due to COVID restrictions. At a very difficult time we are currently living in this is a fantastic achievement to reach 100 and such a lovely person.

“I hope that Pat enjoys her day, Happy Birthday from everyone at Johnstown!”