2008 Con Baker's 100th party
From Lacey Green History
click Celebrations for public events
also click Fred & Connie Baker for Connie's life history
Lacey Green School Reunion 2000 in which Connie tells of her schooldays
2008. Report in the Bucks Free Press
A grandmother has been celebrating her 100th birthday in style.
Constance Baker who lives in Foundry Lane, Loosley Row, reached the landmark on Saturday
Con Baker, as she is better known by friends and family, was born in Lower Road, Loosley Row, and has lived there all her life.
The mother-of-three, who was married at St John's Church of England, Lacey Green, has enjoyed a fortnight of celebrations to mark her centenary.
She was visited by 24 children from her old school, St John's Church of England School, Lacey Green two weeks ago. The pupils presented her with a handmade card containing songs they had composed which they also sang to her.
Last Tuesday sons Graham Baker and Geoffrey Baker and daughter Jenny took her on a trip to London. There she went on a cruise on the river Thames, took a trip on the London Eye and visited Covent Garden.
A birthday party held in Lacey Green Village Hall on Saturday was attended by more than 200 people, including 12 who had travelled from Canada to be there. After arriving at the party in a 1938 Morris convertible, the guest of honour walked down the red carpet to find a special handmade cake with 100 candles.
The West Wycombe Brass Band also attended and played Happy Birthday, with Con conducting the band
Her daughter Jenny then held another part the following day at her house in Bledlow Ridge. Con said it was "It was nice to see all the family again and so many friends. It was absolutely wonderful"
Con said, "I have had about two or three hundred cards and lots of presents."
Con, who was the only child of Ralph and Lilla Gomme, married Fred Baker in 1933
Fred died in 1988 but not before the pair celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1983.
Con has three children and four grandchildren. Her eldest son Graham, 73, who lives in Foundry Lane, said "I am proud that she has reached this milestone"
"She has never been ill or in hospital. Obviously she has had coughs and colds but nothing serious. She still goes out and is fine to get around. It is hard to keep her at home. She is an excellent mum. We still see her every day because we all live next door or down the road."
Con is a member of a number of organisations locally including the Loosley Row and Lacey Green WI and Horticultural Society.
Pam White, who lives in Burnett Drive, Walters Ash, has known Con for more than 60 years after marrying into the family. Mrs White said "She is a remarkable woman. I am amazed by all the things she can do still. She is lovely and we have had some happy times with her - going on picnics and seaside visits together."
Con said "I have been healthy and that is the main thing in life. I am sure that being close to my family helps because they are there for me if I need them. There
are so many good memories I wouldn't know what to pick as my favourite. I have had a wonderful life."