Brecon resident and prominent Hay-on-Wye community figure, Lynn Trowbridge, marked her 102nd birthday with a special celebration last week.

Born on November 7, 1923, Lynn celebrated the milestone at Morgannwg House care home in Brecon, where she now lives.

Friends and family gathered on the afternoon of Friday, November 7, to celebrate with a party at the care home. She was also visited by David Chadwick, MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, who wished her a happy birthday.

Lynn served in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF), the women’s branch of the British Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II, and was awarded multiple medals for her service.

Lynn is also the author of two published books, which are well known in the local area, particularly her memoir, A Life is What You Get. The book chronicles her journey from a difficult childhood, including the loss of her parents to tuberculosis when she and her younger sister, Muriel were very young. Born in Trethomas, the sisters were placed in a children’s home in the Midlands, where they were raised from the ages of 10 and four respectively.

Lynn was born in a small mining village near Newport in South Wales but lived in Hay-on-Wye for many years later in life, and remains a well-known figure in the town. A lifelong horse lover, she spent much of her time riding after moving to the area. Known for her independence, Lynn lived on her own in Harley Almshouses in Hay and continued driving up until just last year.

She also played an active role in the local community as Chair of the Hay Literary Society. The group regularly held Sunday morning sessions at the Hay Festival, featuring readings and poems, and Lynn was always a lively and entertaining presence.