A SPECIAL Wrexham veteran celebrated her 100th birthday in style.
For Vera Humphries's 100th birthday, manager of White House Care Home Debbie Davies asked what she wished for.
"Peace in the world", she said, while her next wish for her big day was to get inside a 1950s classic Rolls-Royce - a dream that came true with the help of Wrexham residents.
Debbie shared the request on social media and was "overwhelmed" by everybody's kindness.
A Rolls-Royce was secured from the Memory Makers Cafe.
Celebrating at White House Care Home where she currently resides, Vera was paid a visit by Sergeant Major Nicky Davies from Hightown Barracks with third Battalion of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, presenting her with flowers and a small parade.
Vera with her sister Mavis who she has not seen in years. Such special memories. (Image: Debbie Davies)
There was an afternoon tea and staff dressed 'Land Girl' style. A very fitting celebration for a true hero.
Vera Brown was born in Liverpool on July 12, 1924. She remembers a happy childhood despite her father Archie's sad passing from a brain tumour when she was just a toddler. Her mother, Elizabeth, remarried to step-father John Hunter and together they had two more children.
A very special milestone birthday cake (Image: Debbie Davies)
Vera was a head girl at Grant Road School. She left aged 14 to work at Waterworths Fruit and Veg before becoming an employee at Ogdens Tobacco. She left school aged 18 and began as a Land Girl in the Women's Land Army.
Following that, Vera went to work in Betws Y Coed on a farm. It was there she met Ron Humphreys who was recovering from injuries he had sustained in Holland during his time in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, the 53rd Reconnaissance.
The birthday girl (Image: Debbie Davies)
The happy pair got married on May 5, 1945. Ron recovered from his injuries and went to Palestine, so Vera got a job as a conductress on the trams.
Upon Ron's return, they settled in Wrexham and converted to Catholicism. Up until four years ago, Vera has attended church every Sunday. Together, they went onto have four sons; Jim (1947), Michael (1949), Stephen (1952) and Paul (1954).
Vera became a dinner lady at Yale High School and on retirement with Ron she became active in ex-servicemen associations including The Normandy Veterans and the Royal Welsh Comrades, where Ron was the Wrexham Branch President until his death in 2003.
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Vera is a superb singer and was once a soloist in St George's Hall, Liverpool. "She could have easily been a professional singer", said Debbie.
"She has always enjoyed being a member of the Catholic Church. She sings impromptu, remembering all the words. Vera also enjoys reminiscing about the Land Army and World War Two."
A proud mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother, Vera is truly loved and appreciated by all who know her.
We are wishing Vera many happy returns.
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