A TRUE Thornbury native celebrated a big birthday earlier this month as he turned 100-years-old. 

Roy Billett celebrated his 100th birthday at the beginning of September and marked the occasion with a celebration at Thornbury Methodist Church. 

Roy has been a member of the church in the High Street for the last 94 years. 

He first joined the Sunday school from the age of six, then the young men’s class and became an official member attending services with his late wife Ethel. 

His birthday was celebrated at Thornbury Methodist with a special Songs of Praise service, with all nine hymns chosen by Roy. 

Friends and church-goers who know him well shared their memories of Roy including his love of gardening, singing, and his love of walking.  

Gazette Series: Roy Billett recently turned 100 years old Roy Billett recently turned 100 years old (Image: Thornbury Methodist Church)

Gazette Series: Roy Billett with other members from Thornbury Methodist Church Roy Billett with other members from Thornbury Methodist Church (Image: Thornbury Methodist Church)

He spent his working life as manager of the local menswear department store and helped build the church hall in the 1970s. 

He received more than 70 cards, including one from King Charles and Queen Camilla, as well as a basket of summer flowers.

He also received a special card, made by Alice, the daughter of one of the church stewards, which was signed by the congregation. 

Pam Cockwell from Thornbury Methodist Church said: “There can’t be many church members who can say they have attended and been a member of the same Methodist Church for 94 years!

“Roy is an example to us all.  A true, kind and sincere gentleman.

“Roy walks daily – even taking walking holidays with his friend Sylvia, whose late husband, Ray Enticott, was a former minister at Thornbury.  

“In fact, two days after the service he ‘only walked 4 and a half miles’ in temperatures in the high 20s. 

“At 100 he walks to church every Sunday morning, but he comes by car if it is raining! 

“At the close of the Songs of Praise service, a cake was cut and shared with members over coffee, and photographs were taken to record this joyful occasion.”