A woman who taught generations of Felixstowe schoolchildren was delighted to be remembered on her 100th birthday. 

Audrey Pine celebrated the milestone on Wednesday, surrounded by her family.

She received her special card from the king and queen – but it was a painstakingly made booklet from Trimley St Mary Primary School which truly meant the world to her. 

The booklet contained photographs and messages from staff and children, wishing Mrs Pine a happy birthday. 

“I loved it there. I was very happy,” remembered Mrs Pine, who retired from teaching in 1983. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Audrey Pine was delighted to receive a booklet made by staff and pupils at Trimley St Mary Primary School for her 100th birthday. Image: NewsquestAudrey Pine was delighted to receive a booklet made by staff and pupils at Trimley St Mary Primary School for her 100th birthday. Image: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

East Anglian Daily Times: Mrs Pine, surrounded by her family on her birthday. Clockwise L-R: Her daughter, Lindy Pine; son-in-law, Devin Rusk; grandson, Jack Pine-Rusk; son, Mike Pine; and Audrey Pine. Image: NewsquestMrs Pine, surrounded by her family on her birthday. Clockwise L-R: Her daughter, Lindy Pine; son-in-law, Devin Rusk; grandson, Jack Pine-Rusk; son, Mike Pine; and Audrey Pine. Image: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Mrs Pine was born in Leicester, where she attended grammar school at the Newarke School.

Mrs Pine went on to attend teaching college in Cheltenham, which was where she met her husband, Bill. He was also training to become a teacher, and the couple met at a dance organised between their respective colleges. 

The couple began their married life in Nottingham, before moving to Felixstowe with their two young children, Lindy and Mike, in 1963. 

Mr Pine taught at Colneis Junior School, while Mrs Pine began teaching at the SEN unit at the then-Maidstone Infant School in 1963. 

She then moved Trimley St Mary Primary School, where she remained until she retired. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Mrs Pine and her grandson, Jack, who was also celebrating his birthday on Wednesday. Image: NewsquestMrs Pine and her grandson, Jack, who was also celebrating his birthday on Wednesday. Image: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)East Anglian Daily Times: Mrs Pine was celebrating her 100th birthday, while her grandson Jack turned 22. Image: NewsquestMrs Pine was celebrating her 100th birthday, while her grandson Jack turned 22. Image: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Mrs Pine has many happy memories of her time here, where she was head of infants. Indeed, she still keeps in contact with many former colleagues and pupils, who have been in touch to wish her a happy birthday 

Mrs Pine celebrated her 100th birthday with her son, Mike, her daughter Lindy, and Lindy’s husband, Devin Rusk, and son, Jack Pine-Rusk.

Lindy and her family returned to Suffolk from California in 2018, and Mrs Pine said she was delighted to have them back. 

Her grandson, Jack, was also celebrating his birthday on Wednesday, having turned 22.