A PEMBROKE life-long motorist had more than a ‘Mini’ celebration last Tuesday, July 28, as part of her 100th birthday party.

Joan Evans, of Brighton Mews received gifts of flowers and hundreds of cards, including congratulations from HM The Queen, the Welsh Assembly Government and the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).

There was even more of a surprise for keen motorist Joan, who had driven from the age of 17 all the way up to 97, when she had to give up getting behind the wheel of her beloved Mini.

Thanks to a kind idea by her cleaner Liz, a member of a classic Mini club, Joan was able to travel to her birthday celebration at Neyland Athletic Club in a Mini cavalcade.

Narberth-born Joan, originally Joan Calvin-Thomas, had been driving for an incredible eight decades, even serving as a driver for the Air Ministry during World War 2.

Joan moved back to Pembrokeshire two years ago after living in Bristol for many years, but is well known locally, having previously lived and ran businesses in Pembroke and Pembroke Dock.

Her niece, Gaynor, said Joan had previously owned a shop in Pembroke’s Main Street and an ironmongers in Pembroke Dock’s Diamond Street.

“She’s always shocked that that’s a Bargain Booze store now, especially as the Calvin-Thomases were teetotallers,” joked Gaynor.

Speaking about the birthday event, Gaynor said: “She had a fabulous day, there were hundreds of cards and loads of visitors, she was overwhelmed really, but she was raring to go; there were friends from all over the place.”

Gaynor said there was a simple reason for her aunt’s sprightly longevity.

“She’s a very tough lady, she says: I make myself do things.”

Speaking about the sale of Joan’s beloved Mini, Gaynor said: “She’s forever telling us off about that.”