Royal well-wishes, live music and cake mark milestone day at Wrexham care home
A CENTENARIAN who once met Princess Diana and attended two royal garden parties has celebrated her 100th birthday with a party described as “fit for a queen.”
Elsie Galley, a former magistrate and respected community figure, marked her milestone at Pendine Park’s Gwern Alyn care home in Wrexham, where staff laid on a grand celebration with giant balloons, flowers, a bumper birthday cake and live music.
Elsie, who was born on May 21, 1925, received a congratulatory card from King Charles III and Queen Camilla — more than 50 years after attending the then Prince of Wales’s investiture at Caernarfon Castle in 1969 with her beloved late husband, Trevor Galley.
Gwern Alyn manager Cindy Clutton said: “If ever there’s a time to roll out the red carpet, it’s when one of our residents turns 100. Elsie is a remarkable woman who has given so much to others over the years. We are proud to have her as part of our Gwern Alyn family.”
Elsie and Trevor were well-known in the Mold area, where they settled in 1961 after Trevor took on a senior role at pharmaceutical firm Graesser Salicylates. Their dedication to public service earned them invitations to royal events, including Buckingham Palace garden parties where they met Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, Princess Diana and other members of the Royal Family.
Elsie became a Justice of the Peace in 1972, serving at Mold Magistrates’ Court. She was an active member of the Inner Wheel, a service organisation supporting the Rotary Club, with whom the couple also shared a love of caravanning and organised international rallies.
Trevor was later awarded an OBE for services to Welsh industry, receiving the honour from Prince Charles in 1980. After his retirement, the couple moved to Abergele, where they lived happily until Trevor passed away in 1994.
Elsie remained active in community and family life and moved to Gwern Alyn in October 2023 after a short illness. Her son John said: “The staff have been wonderful. Mum has settled in well, enjoys the company of other residents and often joins in with singing and activities.”
Music has been a lifelong passion for Elsie, and care staff often hear her singing as she moves through her day. Senior care practitioner Vicky Garbutt said: “Elsie has a beautiful voice — one of her favourite songs is ‘Oh! Mr Porter,’ and she also loves ‘Daisy, Daisy.’ She brings so much joy to everyone.”
To mark her big day, Gwern Alyn arranged a musical performance of classic hits from the 1950s and 60s, including Elvis Presley, Tom Jones and The Monkees, performed by professional singer Adam Jones. Elsie said she especially enjoyed his version of ‘Daydream Believer.’
Fellow residents Susan Vaughan and Beryl Fowler said they were delighted to celebrate the occasion with her. “It makes me want to get up and start dancing for joy!” said Beryl.
Elsie’s family, including her children, four grandchildren and great-granddaughter May, aged three, expressed their gratitude to the care team. Son John said: “We want to thank everyone at Gwern Alyn for organising such a wonderful celebration and for the love and care they show Mum every day.”
Photo by Mandy Jones
