A GREAT grandmother of seven has received a special birthday greeting from the Queen as she celebrates her 100th year.

The congratulatory message took pride of place at Moormead Nursing Home in Wroughton yesterday as Nellie Murphy was joined by staff and fellow residents to mark the occasion.

Nellie’s daughter, Pat Goodwin, described her mum’s surprise at receiving the letter.

“She was a bit shocked by it,” said Pat, 58.

“But once she realised what is was she was very pleased.”

One party was not enough for Nellie and she left the balloons and banners at Moormead behind to head to the family home where she enjoyed a special afternoon tea with relatives.

“We had family round and it was a lovely afternoon,” said Pat.

Proud granddaughter, 30-year-old Amy Yea, paid tribute to her Nan.

“She is just a kind and caring person who would do anything for anyone,” said Amy.

“She loved nothing more than spending her days with her family and going on days out, she enjoyed watching myself and my brothers play netball and football.

“She also loved a good sing song and talking about her younger days and her experience in the war - especially how scared she was when she had to be in charge of walking the shire horses.

“I’m just so proud to have her as my Nan and to be able to see her turn this amazing age.”

There may be people out there who are thinking that Nellie’s face looks familiar.

As well as doting on her own children and grandchildren, she also made a difference for many other youngsters in Swindon over the years.

Working as a dinner lady in the kitchens at the old Richard Jefferies School before she retired, Nellie no doubt put a smile on the faces of hundreds of children who passed through while she was there.

Before working at the school she had many other jobs, having moved to Swindon from London with her husband Ted back in 1959.

The pair had three children, the youngest Pat and two sons, Jim and John.

They were proud grandparents to five boys and girls and then great grandparents to seven.

Ted died in 2001 and Nellie later moved in with Pat before moving to Moormead about four years ago.

The staff there are very fond of her and were proud as punch when she reached the 100 year mark.

Pat says that is typical of her mum’s time at the home.

“They’ve done wonders with her, she wasn’t very well when she first went there after coming out of hospital but they’ve been absolutely brilliant,” says Pat.

After a tiring day of parties, Nellie will be looking forward to a well-earned rest, we wish her many happy returns.