FORMER headmistress Mary Tame, who rode in a motorcycle sidecar for her centenary, enjoyed a more relaxed 102nd birthday yesterday with family and friends.

Two years ago Mrs Tame, from Dorchester, was taken for a spin around the village by Liaan van Zyl, the manager of The George Hotel.

But yesterday the celebration was a more sedate affair, with celebrations at Rush Court care home in Wallingford where she lives.

Mrs Tame said: “It’s so lovely to see family and friends on my birthday.”

She was joined by niece Jennifer Baggott, who divides her time between Cornwall and Arizona in the United States.

Mrs Baggott said: “I have come up from Cornwall and afterwards I am flying out to Arizona.

“It’s lovely to be here with Mary on her birthday.

“She is enjoying her time at Rush Court very much – the staff look after her beautifully.”

Other family members, and family friend Ed Peacock, arrived for a family lunch before staff and other residents celebrated with a birthday tea at 4pm.

The manager of Rush Court Liz Clements said: “Mary is fantastic for 102 and is such a great character – everyone here knows her.”

Mrs Tame was born on a farm near Newport, South Wales, on February 12, 1914, during the reign of George V. She moved to Dorchester aged 23 to teach geography at the Central Senior School, which served the villages of Warborough, Shillingford, Drayton St Leonard, Clifton Hampden and the Baldons.

She was married to Tom Tame, now deceased, and the couple never had any children.

At the end of the Second World War they moved from Dorchester to Marsh Baldon, where Mrs Tame was appointed headmistress of the primary school and stayed for 30 years.

She has also been a community volunteer and written history books.

In 2010 she received an MBE for services to heritage and her community.