Dorothy Jones 100th Birthday Party at Denbigh Rugby Club. It was an honour for the Denbigh and District Male Voice Choir to receive an invitation to perform some of her favourite songs.
An elegant horse-drawn white carriage escorted Dorothy to the Rugby Club. She was greeted by her adoring family and friends.
Dorothy Jones, surrounded by Family, on her 94th Birthday
The occasion was special to celebrate an amazing milestone.
Dorothy Jones was born in Holyhead, Anglesey. At the age of 15, and economical with her age, she became a nurse at the North Wales Hospital.
At the end of her shift a young Bobby Jones would patiently wait for her at the hospital gates.
The courting flourished and they were married in 1940.
Blessed with 7 children, 15 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and 4 great, great grandchildren.
It’s true to say that she is at her happiest surrounded by her family.
Dorothy Jones 100th Birthday Royal Card
Saturday 10th August, was her official 100th birthday.
Cards duly arrived from Her Majesty The Queen, The Welsh Assembly and her Member of Parliament.
Furthermore, over 150 guests, consisting of family and friends, packed the main lounge of the Rugby Club.
The atmosphere was electric. It was unbridled joy and happiness.
Looking poised and elegant Dorothy responded with her radiant smile and good nature.
A Picture of Happiness
Photographs of Dorothy shown to capture her vitality and joy of life.
Dorothy Jones 100th Birthday in Dance and Song
After a lively and entertaining bout of Morris Dancing, led by daughter Bronwen, the Choir performed several items requested by Dorothy and family members.
Starting with We’ll Keep a Welcome, Myfanwy, Amazing Grace and Calon Lan.
It was emotional and satisfying for us to see Dorothy singing along. Our audience also in good voice.
Compere Clwyd Wynne then introduced Arwyn Roberts, our musical director and Nia Jones, our accompanist.
Then Moon River, followed with Fy Mhlentyn, Some Enchanted Evening and singing directly to Dorothy, There is Nothing Like a Dame.
On this occasion it was most appropriate. Near deafening audience appreciation.
There’s No Place Like Home
Then Gwahoddiad and You Raise Me Up followed by ‘D’oes Unman yn Debyg i Gartref’ (There is no Place like Home) sung by tenor Gwynfor Evans.
This song is well-chosen as Dorothy has lived at her present home for 71 years. A proud Denbigh centenarian.
The audience, encouraged by compere Clwyd Wynne, joined in with our last songs, How Great Thou Art, and Cwm Rhondda.
It was exhilarating. You had to be there to experience the fervour and the passion.
Naturally, we kept our best song to the end. A rousing bilingual rendition of ‘HAPPY BIRTHDAY’ to a very special lady.
Dorothy’s zest for life, much in evidence, as she stood proudly to sing our national anthem.
Dorothy Jones with Arwyn Roberts, left and Clwyd Wynne
To Arwyn Roberts, a retired funeral director, came her classic quote of the day:
‘I’m not ready for you yet!’
In conclusion, a sincere ‘Thank You’ to the family for allowing the choir to be part of the immense joy of the special occasion.
Diwrnod yw gofio! Mae Mam yn ail adrodd y cyfan heddiw. Wedi cael modd I fyw gyda’r cor ac yn canu nerth ei llais bore ma.
Diolch o galon I bob un ohonoch. .
Thank you all so much for making mams birthday such a wonderful occasion. We are all still feeling the “buzz” today. Your blog report says it all. Carry on with the good work!
Diolch Phoebe a Tom am eich geiriau caredig ac yn enwedig clywed hefyd fod Mam wedi gwirioni a’i phlesio gyda’r gerddoriaeth. Pleser mawr oedd bod yn rhan o ddiwrnod cofiadwy. Cofion cynnes x
Thank you Phoebe and Tom for your kind words and especially to hear that Mum was well pleased with the musical contribution. It was a real pleasure for us to be part of a truly memorable day. Best regards x
Thank you so much for yesterday. Mam was in her element! Since losing her sight music has become a favourite pastime. She loves to hear the ‘old’welsh songs and particularly likes a male voice choir. Mam often sings at home as she remembers hymns from her youth.
The Denbigh choirs choice of songs yesterday at the occasion of her 100 th Birthday was amazing. A spectacular performance personalised for Mam. A lasting memory for her and the rest of the family. Diolch or Galon.
Bron Rutter.(daughter).x
Thank you Bron for your kind words. It was an amazing experience for the choir to be involved in such a happy occasion. The response we received was outstanding and will remain as one of our most enjoyable performances. Best regards.
What a really lovely lady and she does not look 100. Hope she has many many more years.
All my favourite songs and hymns. Must have been a really wonderful day.
All the best songs and singers come from Wales.
Thank you Marilyn for your kind observations. It really was a wonderful day, a pleasure to be taking part.