PLAYING bowls is the recipe for a long and prosperous life for Thame resident Marjorie Spencer, who celebrated her 100th birthday on Saturday.

A special reception was held at Thame Bowls Club in Chiltern Grove, Queen’s Road, where she became a member in 1974 and was secretary for eight years as well as ladies captain.

Spencer, who played well into her 80s, competed in several National Finals at Leamington Spa.

She was also runner-up in the 1979 Champion of Champions competition.

After enjoying a typical bowls club tea of homemade cakes, Spencer was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Thame’s youngest member, Thomas Tisbury, who is only 13.

On accepting her birthday wishes, Spencer said: “By playing bowls, maybe we can all live to be 100.”

Ladies captain Maire Duncan organised the birthday celebrations, which also coincided with the opening of the green for the start of the new outdoor season.