Mrs Christina Sowersby , Finchley 's Grand Old Lady , today ( Thursday ) celebrated her 103rd birthday at her home at North Finchley . She has received many letters of congratulations and is celebrating the day quietly wth a special tea and wedding cake . Mrs Sowersby was born at Shipley , Yorkshire and when she was six months old , she was so delicate that she was put in a straw basket and kept in front of a fire to keep her alive . Mrs Sowersby still reads easily with the aid of glasses , does needlework and follows the news of the day with keen interest . Photo shows ; Mrs Christina Sowersby with her daughter Mrs H Gadd and her birthday cake at her home at Finchley . 16 August 1933