THERE was a big family gathering for the 100th birthday of Margaret Alice Gough – 'Babs' to family and friends – who was born on June 25 1912  at 31, Station Street, Cinderford as the youngest of ten children, five boys and five girls.

The daughter of Oliver Frank and Emily Ann Kibble, Babs married Cinderford butcher Kenneth Raymond Martin on Boxing Day in 1935. Kenneth died in July, 1941 and they had one child, Jennifer Jayne Martin (now J.J Jakeman).

She then married confectioner Charles Lambert Sale Gough in February, 1942, andf they had one child, Robinetta Susan Gough (now R.S. Lloyd-Jones). Charles died in 1992.

Babs now has seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

She lives in Four Crosses, Llanymynech, Powys very near daughter 'Bobbie' Lloyd-Jones and son-in-law Peter.

Her elder daughter Jayne, and son-in-law Patrick, live in Cumbria.

Babs and Charlie Gough traded as Gough's Wholesale and Retail Manufacturing Confectioners' in Station Street next door to the old East Dean Grammar School.   The business was founded in Cinderford in 1867.   

After demob from the Eighth Army Charlie's family business resumed and confectionery continued to be made in Station Street for 25 years.  The business also included grocery and provisions.

They also traded from the old Cinderford Market on Saturdays.  

Retirement for Babs has always been 'lively'.   She loves flying, and doesn't really care where! With Jayne and Patrick she went to Arizona to visit old friends; she has even been whale watching in Iceland. Using a wheelchair does not dampen her enthusiasm or, as grandchildren will attest, limit her horizons. 'Indefatigable' is perhaps the right word!

For the 100th birthday celebrations, Bobbie persuaded her mum to stay in one place so that family and friends could find her!   

Everyone gathered at a local country hotel for lunch and then went on to Babs's home later.  Guests had travelled from France, Devon, the Lake District and of course from the Forest.  All had a glorious time and all arrangements went smoothly.

  

Bobbie said: "Well, she did insist on a 99th and we all managed it then!"