By Gabrielle Swan
A GREAT grandmother from Bangor celebrated her 103rd birthday last week with multiple parties and a special message from the President of Ireland.
Local centenarian, May Trimble, had not just one, but three parties to celebrate her special milestone, with several members of her large family in attendance at each.
Originally from Wexford, the great grandmother of 34 received her third Centenarian Bounty from the President of Ireland, Micheal D Higgins, for her birthday on September 19.
She marked the day with her third party at Tom’s Dining Rooms in Bangor, after two previous parties at the Stormont Hotel and the Stables in Groomsport.
Making up an impressive collection, May also has her iconic card from the King and Queen from her 100th birthday.
The Centenarian Bounty is made up of a €2,540, or £2122.39, payment from the Irish state. It also comes with a special commemorative coin, and a letter from the President.
It is open to all those who were born on the island of Ireland or are living there when they reach the age. It is also given each year after.
Born as May Leech, she came from a family of five children. She married the late Rev. George Trimble in 1943 and the couple moved to Cookstown when George was appointed minister for Donaghey Congregational Church before moving to Straid. George sadly passed away 1991 after almost 50 years of marriage.
The couple had four children – Rowland, David, Norma and Trevor – and May now has 17 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren.
May’s daughter-in-law Paula Trimble, wife of Rowland, said the extraordinary centenarian thoroughly enjoyed her birthday.
“Rowland, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday, was with his mum in the Stormont Hotel on Tuesday and she didn’t want to go home,” explained Paula. “He kept asking her if she wanted to go home but she stayed the whole night and they didn’t get back until nearly midnight.”
“In the celebrations at the Stables, Rowland, David and Norma May were there, three of her four children. Her other son, Trevor wasn’t able to be there because he was in Cape Town, but he hosted that meal.
“I was there, and Helena, David’s wife, and Liz May from New Zealand, who is a niece. She has 17 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren, a whole dynasty.
Living independently in Bangor, May is looked after by her neighbours, Dymphna, Marion and Gladys. While she also lives independently, she also makes regular visits to nursing homes, cheering up the residents there.
“She doesn’t go as much now, but she did right up until her 90s,” added Paula. “She actually was visiting to see them and encourage them, she likes to be taken in to visit people. She has so many visitors.”
Reflecting on his mother’s milestone age Rowland said she was always out and about and quite busy.
“She was always very active in the church and in meetings, she would take ladies meetings,” he said.
“She makes her own marmalade, once every two or three week, and when people come in she would give them a pot of marmalade. She goes out for her daily walk most days.
“She would tell you that the family looked after her after she retired. And she would also tell everyone who asks that question, that she has a heavenly Father who looks after her,” added Rowland.
