With a room draped in her favourite colour of purple, Gerringong local marvel Gwen Wilson celebrated her upcoming 105th birthday with fellow members of the Probus Club Gerringong on Monday.

Purple garments, balloons and cake were the order of the day as the club paid tribute to Wilson's contributions to the local community over several decades.

A testament to longevity, Gwen attributes her long life to “ongoing friendships” and completing a variety of word puzzles daily.

A week away from turning 105, Gwen is still an active member of her library, borrowing and reading six books a month.

Her all-time favourite author is Di Morrisey.

While she still enjoys reading the hard copy versions of books, Gwen has taken to the evolution of technology and her iPad is another source of entertainment.

Ken Freeman, a past president of the Probus Club Gerringong, said the club has been active for 37 years and they are dedicated to developing friendships while having fun.

After venturing to the South Coast from Sydney’s inner-west suburb of Hurlstone Park more than 60 years ago, Gwen was an avid lawn bowler and one of the four founding members of the Gerringong Bowls Club.

Now residing in an assisted living home in Gerringong, you may still see Gwen occasionally at the bowls club enjoying a beverage, soaking up the atmosphere.

Gwen turns 105 on June 7 and plans to visit the bowls club on her birthday to celebrate the milestone.