28/7/2006 - Picture opportunity: Penrith resident celebrates 100th birthday

One of Penrith's oldest residents celebrates her 100th birthday on Tuesday (1 August). 

Mrs Grace Mainprize, a resident of Cumbria County Council's Greengarth home on Bridge Lane in Penrith, is set to receive her birthday telegram from The Queen. 

Photographers are invited to attend a special afternoon tea party which the home is putting on for Grace complete with cake and candles at 4:00pm on Tuesday 1 August.

Grace was born in London in 1906 and moved to Cumbria 13 years ago after spending time living in various counties including Sussex and Devon.

In the year Grace was born, Rolls Royce became a registered company, an earthquake along the San Andreas Fault devastated San Francisco and the Cumberland & Westmorland Wrestling Association was formed.

As a child, Grace remembers seeing German Zeppelins flying up the Thames on bombing missions during the First World War. 

Grace also recalls a time when there were fewer motor vehicles on the roads and says that life then was a lot quieter!