Ex-Wallingford girl celebrates 100 in Canada

3:00pm Wednesday 23rd July 2008

A MOUNTIE - a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police - handed over a congratulatory letter to Ann Buckle when she reached her 100th birthday.

Mrs Buckle, who was born in Wallingford, now lives in Canada, where her family and friends helped her celebrate her centenary yesterdayon July 23. The mountie handed over a letter from Canada's Prime Minister, on behalf of the Queen.

Mrs Buckle was born Ann Gosford, the youngest of a family of seven, and lived at 23 St Leonard's Square, Wallingford.

She remembers that at the end of the First World War, there was a sports day in Wallingford to celebrate and she won the 100 yards sprint.

She went to school in the town, and played hockey, netball, and tennis for local teams.

Her family in Wallingford travelled to Canada to help her celebrate.