Resident of Bury St Edmunds care home The Martins celebrates 107th birthday

A resident celebrated her 107th birthday on Tuesday in the company of family and friends.

Mary Tarry has lived at The Martins care home in Vinefields, Bury St Edmunds, since 2008.

Originally from London, Ms Tarry has had a lifelong infatuation with Aldeburgh, living there for many years.

As a violinist, she was always attracted to Snape Maltings, with its musical displays.

One of her nephews, Peter Tarry, attended her birthday party, at which Ms Tarry received a letter from King Charles.

Mr Tarry, a Newmarket man, said of his aunt’s life: “Sadly, my grandfather fell in the Great War, so she never knew her father.

“Being the youngest in her family, she fell into the role of looking after her mother.

“When her mother died in 1972, she retired to Aldeburgh on the coast, and had some wonderful years there.”

Ms Tarry never married, instead caring for her mother into her old age.

However, she is from a large family, being the youngest of four siblings.

In addition, she has multiple nieces and nephews.

Her relatives are spread out across Suffolk, Hampshire and Norfolk.

At her party on Tuesday, Ms Tarry addressed those gathered to express her thanks to them for attending.

When asked about the secret to a long life, Ms Tarry said: “I’d certainly tell you if I knew.

“Trust in God, and believe in His word.”

Peter’s wife, Mary Tarry, praised staff at The Martins for their care.

She said: “She’s been there 15 years, and the staff and everybody have been absolutely amazing.”