So this year the celebrations were more subdued with a small gathering of family at Francie’s home in Bathurst.

Frances Patricia White, or Francie as she is better known, was born in Bathurst on July 12, 1917, and has lived here ever since.

She was one of 10 children to parents Anne and William White. Mr White worked with Ben Chifley.

Francie later married Bathurst man Arthur Morris on October 16, 1941, and the couple lived in Bathurst.

Her nephew, John Bullock, who attended the 101st birthday celebrations, said his aunt was incredibly independent. So much so she kept her driver’s licence until she was 97.

“She goes to the golf club every week for a card session with her friends,” he said. “She’s been doing it for years and years.”

Mr Bullock said she was also a very good golfer, and has only just recently stopped playing.