ELSIE Vincent has a lifelong passion for painting and playing the piano—it’s what she thinks has helped her reach her 100th birthday this week. Preparations are being made in East London for her centenary birthday bash at the care home where she still manages to tickle the ivories now-and-then and where her bedroom walls are lined with her watercolours

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ELSIE Vincent has a lifelong passion for painting and playing the piano—it’s what she thinks has helped her reach her 100th birthday this week.

Preparations are being made in East London for her centenary birthday bash at the care home where she still manages to tickle the ivories now-and-then and where her bedroom walls are lined with her watercolours.

Elsie was born in Bow on August 19, 1909, when Edward VII was on the Throne and women had not yet been given the vote.

She went to Coborn School for Girls in Bow from the age of 11 where she developed a love of art that has stayed with her all her life.

TEACHER

The family moved to Leyton in 1926 where Elsie continued her education and went on to follow in her father’s footsteps to become a teacher.

She married Jack Vincent just before the outbreak of the Second World War. Jack served in the Army throughout the war, taking part in the Liberation of mainland Europe in 1944. The couple enjoyed a long marriage until Jack died nearly 11 years ago.

Elsie has lived at Abbeyfield care home in Woodford Green for the past two years, following a stroke a few years ago.

But she’s still actively involved in pottery painting and entertains other residents with her piano playing, attributing her interest in life and love of art as the key to her longevity.

The celebrations start with a birthday bash at the care home, followed by a family party at a nearby hotel a few days later.