A WORSHIPPER who played the organ at her church for 70 years has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Margaret Ann Richards, who is known as Annie, only retired from playing when her hearing deteriorated at the age of 84.

She was born at Llanfechan Farm, Garth, near Builth Wells, on May 9, 1918 and was an only child.

She started music lessons aged just eight years old with her teacher, Mrs Rees, at Garth School.

At 14 Annie began playing the organ at church and played for a host of events and services at Llanfechan, Llanlleonfel, Maesmynis and Llanganten. She was also a member of Maesmynis Mothers’ Union.

Annie was also the vicar’s warden at Llananten and when she retired from playing in 2002 her 70 years of service was recognised with a presentation by the then Bishop of Swansea and Brecon.

Annie has lived in the Garth area all her life, and was driving until she was 88.

In the weeks before her 100th birthday she moved into the Llanfair Grange residential home in Llandovery and it was there last week that her family held a small party to mark the passing of the milestone.

Annie’s husband Joe passed away 23 years ago and since her early 80s Annie had lived with her only daughter, Gaynor, in Cilmery.

Annie has a granddaughter Helen, a grandson Kevin and great grandchildren Joe, Sophie and Rhys.