There was great joy for Lisnarick man James Dilworth as five generations of his family came together to help him celebrate his milestone 100th birthday.

Speaking to The Impartial Reporter, James’ son, Adrian, said his father enjoyed his birthday party, which was attended by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

A socially distanced gathering, the party was held in the gardens of Trevenna Lodge Residential Home, of which James is a resident, on the afternoon of his actual birthday – Friday, July 22.

“He enjoyed the day and when I rang the care home on Sunday to see how he was, the woman who answered said that he had told the staff that he had had a very enjoyable day,” said Adrian.

To mark the special occasion, The Queen’s Lord Lieutenant for County Fermanagh, Viscount Brookeborough, hand-delivered a birthday card to James from Her Majesty.

“He was delighted to receive that,” noted Adrian.

James was born in Glasgow on July 22, 1922, and as a young man during World War II, he enlisted in the RAF, where he was stationed at Castle Archdale.

It was there that he met his wife, the late Vera Thompson. Together, they set up home in Lisnarick, where they had five sons.

Talking about his father’s possible secret to a long life, Adrian explained that over his 100 years, James enjoyed being active and spending time outdoors.

He maintained a keen interest in walking, gardening and, even up to his late eighties, in cycling.

In 2019, James moved to Trevenna Lodge Residential Home.

His family would like to express their gratitude to the management and staff for “the home from home environment” they have created for him there.